In Spawn's first year of school, we applied for funding, due to his 'severe behaviour'. I know that in different states and countries, the process is different, but I'm sure there is one consistent aspect across the board: it's hard. Emotionally, having to constantly discuss and read about how terribly behaved your child can be, among other flaws, is heartbreaking. It has been two years since I discovered Spawn's application for funding was granted, after six months of hell.
The process for funding took twice as long as Spawn's ASD diagnosis, which was conducted immediately prior to the funding application began. I commend the school for being on the ball and getting things rolling as soon as they could, but as a parent, this double whammy broke me in ways that I don't think I will ever recover from. I ended 2015 with symptoms much like those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Legit. I was treated as if I had PTSD, and there was only one small aspect of my sanity that gave my psych pause to officially diagnose. Two years on, I am doing better, but the scars are still there. They will always be there. 2015 can kiss my arse, even now, in 2018.
Now that a little back story has been established, let me get to the heart of this rant/word vomit/expelling of bad juju. I am grateful for the school working tirelessly to get Spawn funding. I am grateful to the department of education for seeing Spawn's need for funding and actually approving the application: this is not something the DoE does lightly, after all. For this reason, I know that many families miss out on this funding, which impacts on the education of so many students. It's hard. There are so many cracks. For example, Spawn has ASD, but we did not apply on the grounds of his ASD diagnosis, for we would have been rejected. The criterion are so stringent, it's actually ridiculous! We applied under severe behaviour, as Spawn's behaviour was so severe during that first year of school that he only attended school for a couple of full days a week, with the remaining being half days. He had drawn blood from his teacher, caused his class to be evacuated, and literally been dragged from school over the shoulder of the vice-principal. OMG, I'm getting a little emotional just THINKING about that year. Even now, whenever the school calls me, my first thought is, "oh no, what has he done now?!" Fortunately, the school is quick to let me know if it isn't bad news, having known how bad things once were. I was on a first name basis with the school admin a lot quicker than most.
Due to the hard work, absolute terror and horrific reports I had to read, I get a little funny about Spawn's school funding. As a pre-service teacher, I understand how having a student with funding in the class can benefit many, but as a parent, I don't want my child to miss out because of others. Having other unfunded students piggybacking off of Spawn's funding is all well and good, but where do you draw the line?! At what point do you, as a parent, step in and be like, "ENOUGH. How many complex students do you want to piggyback off of my child's funding?! Don't you think this might be detrimental to MY son's education?!" As I have mentioned, I worked hard for that. I endured things no parent/carer should have to endure, all in the hopes it would provide my child with better opportunities moving forward. It has, by the way. Education support staff are amazing. Spawn had this one lady supporting him for nearly two years and she was amazing. She saw him that first year, and was with him as he changed for the better. Spawn has come so far that it's mindblowing, but does that mean that the support worker working with him this year will be asked to spend more time with other students? Sure these students need help, otherwise they wouldn't be getting it. But will this have a negative impact on Spawn? His behaviour last year went downhill and part of me wonders if that is because so many students with additional needs were lugged into his class in order to piggyback off of Spawn's funding. Just because Spawn has learned to mimic more appropriate classroom behaviours, does not mean he does not need the funding. For Spawn, working to behave appropriately is a task that requires constant focus, as his brain is always working so fast, the result of both his ADHD and giftedness. I feel that if Spawn is neglected, for even a little while, it will take twice as long to rebuild those appropriate mindsets for the classroom. Perhaps Spawn will think it normal that he adapt for awhile, then lapse back into his old way of behaving as soon as the teacher isn't looking (so to speak). This actually terrifies me, on a level I am not sure I'm ready to comprehend. I considered changing schools last year; seriously considered it. I thought it might be better to send Spawn to a school more understanding of funding and special needs children. However, Spawn loves his school, so we are giving it this year to see how things go. I have spoken to a few schools and know our options, but hopefully I don't need to go down this path. For the most part, I do like our school's community. It's a great little school most of the time. :)
So this is the vicious cycle of school funding. The department of education really needs to get their act together and figure out a way to adequately fund all students who need assistance. In doing so, students who DO get funding will not be forced to miss out due to teachers and schools trying to service the needs of many with funding meant to service one.
Do not even get me started on the fact that parents have no say in how a school spends funding they receive for students. I don't know if this isn't a common thing, but where I live, it's how it works and I think it sucks; as both a parent AND a pre-service teacher.
On the topic of pre-service teaching, I'm doing my next placement in February; two weeks after school starts back. At a school with only 100 students. This will be interesting! ;)
If you got this far, thanks for reading. Feel free to share advice and tips for dealing with this: I welcome all advice! :)
- L. x
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Friday, 26 January 2018
Monday, 18 January 2016
Mango Loaf
So while this amazing smelling loaf bakes away in the oven, (yes, I bake on 37 degree days! Hello, aircon!) I decided I would share the little back story that led to this tasty little loaf!
First, do you know what I love most about January? Mango season. The juicy little morsels are by far one of my favourite fruits, and I can never resist stocking up when I see them at a good price! Unfortunately, this isn't as common down here in Victoria. Not like the sunshine coast, where amazing ripe mangoes can be purchased just about everywhere, at prices that have the potential to turn anyone into a person who lives solely on mangoes!
Ahh, Sunshine Coast. Take me back!!! Your glorious beaches, weather, and cheap fruit are the things dreams are made of!
Ahh, Sunshine Coast. Take me back!!! Your glorious beaches, weather, and cheap fruit are the things dreams are made of!
Anyway, basically the only way to get cheap mangoes down here is when they're all borderline overripe. Which is fine if you want to gorge on mangoes that day, but sucks when you already have a few in the fridge ready to eat!!
I had this genius idea to combine my need to use the overripe mangoes with my need to prep snacks for Spawn to take to school! This of course, led to serious googling and a trip down the rabbit
hole......but after a few hours, I resurfaced with ideas! Mango loaf! YES.
However, the recipes I found contained ingredients I don't own (all that sugar?! No thank you!), so I found the tastiest looking recipe and tweaked it until it could be consumed by my naturally hyperactive child without inducing a sugar rush! Said original recipe can be found here.
However, the recipes I found contained ingredients I don't own (all that sugar?! No thank you!), so I found the tastiest looking recipe and tweaked it until it could be consumed by my naturally hyperactive child without inducing a sugar rush! Said original recipe can be found here.
 |
| Fresh out of the oven... Mmm, delicious. |
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups (150g) plain flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 cups (150g) plain flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
3/4 cup (190ml) coconut oil
3-4 mangoes; 2 pureed, 1-2 chopped (small)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup (30g) sultanas or raisins (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
3/4 cup (190ml) coconut oil
3-4 mangoes; 2 pureed, 1-2 chopped (small)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup (30g) sultanas or raisins (optional)
METHOD:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees, then grease and line a loaf tin. Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a small bowl, beat eggs and oil together then add to flour mixture along with the mango puree and lemon juice. Add chopped mangoes and raisins(if using). Pour into loaf tin and cook for about 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Preheat oven to 180 degrees, then grease and line a loaf tin. Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a small bowl, beat eggs and oil together then add to flour mixture along with the mango puree and lemon juice. Add chopped mangoes and raisins(if using). Pour into loaf tin and cook for about 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
I am also making a mango butter to go with this loaf, that I will put on each slice before freezing, to make it easier when putting in Spawn's lunchbox.
Enjoy!
- L. x
 | ||
| I would chop two mangoes to add next time! It's yummy, but needs more mango for me! |
Thursday, 15 October 2015
It's (almost) Summer, Therefore It's ICYPOLE TIME!
So there was a thing in my son's school newsletter requesting icypole recipes. Being the healthy mum that I am (where Spawn is concerned, at least) I obviously have a million icypole recipes on hand! Decided I'd share the same recipes with my readers (if I even have any? Are you out there? Or do I constantly talk to myself?? - this I KNOW I do!!)
So here you go. Enjoy, fellow crazies. Obviously, all of these recipes are not my own. Some are, but regrettably, I'm not always that creative!
Peace out.
- L. x
So here you go. Enjoy, fellow crazies. Obviously, all of these recipes are not my own. Some are, but regrettably, I'm not always that creative!
- Each recipe makes approx. 4 ice blocks.
PINA COLADA
**A great creamy, icy treat for those hot summer days
when you want creamy without the dairy!**
2 bananas
200g mango (approx.)
130g pineapple (approx.)
200ml coconut milk
·
Put all ingredients into blender and blend until
smooth, before pouring into moulds and freezing for 4-6 hours. (also great as a
smoothie!)
WATERMELON
¼ watermelon
·
Cut watermelon into manageable wedges, stick a
paddlepop stick into the skin and freeze for a few hours. Quick, easy and
delicious!
You could also blend the watermelon
and freeze in moulds for something a little fancy.
STRAWBERRY &
MANGO
1 mango
1 lime, juiced
½ cup water or coconut milk
½ cup chopped strawberries (into smallish pieces)
·
Blend mango with lime juice and water/milk until
smooth, then put strawberries in and mix it around a little (do not blend!) before
pouring into moulds. Freeze for 6 hours/overnight.
COMPLEX RAINBOW
GOODNESS
**these are time consuming, so best made in advance!**
Punnet of blueberries
3-4 kiwi fruit
Pineapple
Orange juice
¼ watermelon
·
Puree fruits and then pour some of the fruit
into each mould and freeze for 30 mins or so, then add next colour to make a
rainbow, starting with blue/purple. With the orange juice, freeze for longer
before adding watermelon, and then freeze overnight.
STRAWBERRY, BANANA
& COCONUT
Punnet of strawberries (250g)
1 banana
½ cup coconut milk
(optional) white chia seeds
·
Blend ingredients and pour into moulds, then
freeze for 3-4 hours. Peace out.
- L. x
Saturday, 25 April 2015
Chewy ANZAC Biscuits
Today (25 April, 2015) marks the 100 year anniversary of Gallipoli - an event that saw the loss of hundreds of thousands of soldiers.
It somehow became tradition to make Anzac Biscuits on this day - biscuits that Australian soldiers ate during the war. Thankfully, the recipe has been altered slightly over the years to make them more delicious.
I prefer my biscuits soft and chewy, but I have also added a note at the bottom to alter the recipe, should you be a crunchy fan. :)
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup plain flour
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup caster sugar
125g unsalted butter
2 tbspn golden syrup (treacle)
1/2 tspn bicarb soda
METHOD:
Preheat oven to 180° and line two baking trays with baking paper.
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, coconut and sugar.
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt syrup and butter together, then put aside to cool for a minute or so. While it's cooling, combine bicarb soda with 1.5 tbspn boiling water and add to oat mix along with the butter.
Stir until combined, then grab tablespoon size blobs and roll into a ball before placing on baking tray. Ensure there is an inch or so between balls to allow for spreading. If you desire, you can gently press the balls to flatten them slightly, but I prefer them small and thicker - they flatten out during the baking process anyway.
Bake for 12 minutes, then remove and allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely - if they make it to that stage! I can easily eat two-three at once while they're still a little warm and extra chewy. YUM.
For crunchy biscuits: Instead of 3/4 cup caster sugar, use 1/2 cup caster sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar, and bake for 15 minutes.
For SUPER crunchy biscuits: Replace the caster sugar with 3/4 cup brown sugar and bake for 15 minutes. This method will result in super flat, crunchy biscuits.
Enjoy!
- L. x
**this recipe is not my own, but is my favourite, hence my sharing.
It somehow became tradition to make Anzac Biscuits on this day - biscuits that Australian soldiers ate during the war. Thankfully, the recipe has been altered slightly over the years to make them more delicious.
I prefer my biscuits soft and chewy, but I have also added a note at the bottom to alter the recipe, should you be a crunchy fan. :)
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup plain flour
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup caster sugar
125g unsalted butter
2 tbspn golden syrup (treacle)
1/2 tspn bicarb soda
METHOD:
Preheat oven to 180° and line two baking trays with baking paper.
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, coconut and sugar.
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt syrup and butter together, then put aside to cool for a minute or so. While it's cooling, combine bicarb soda with 1.5 tbspn boiling water and add to oat mix along with the butter.
Stir until combined, then grab tablespoon size blobs and roll into a ball before placing on baking tray. Ensure there is an inch or so between balls to allow for spreading. If you desire, you can gently press the balls to flatten them slightly, but I prefer them small and thicker - they flatten out during the baking process anyway.
Bake for 12 minutes, then remove and allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely - if they make it to that stage! I can easily eat two-three at once while they're still a little warm and extra chewy. YUM.
For crunchy biscuits: Instead of 3/4 cup caster sugar, use 1/2 cup caster sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar, and bake for 15 minutes.
For SUPER crunchy biscuits: Replace the caster sugar with 3/4 cup brown sugar and bake for 15 minutes. This method will result in super flat, crunchy biscuits.
Enjoy!
- L. x
**this recipe is not my own, but is my favourite, hence my sharing.
Sunday, 5 April 2015
There's a war inside my head.
Sometimes I wish that I was dead, I'm broken.
I'm tired of trying to be normal
I'm always overthinking
I'm driving myself crazy
So what if I'm f*cking crazy?!
Do you ever hear a song and think to yourself: THAT'S MY SONG!!?
I do this. I do this a lot. Obviously, it depends on my mood - and my state of mind - as to whether certain songs are fitting of the ramblings inside my head.
Today though... Today is an "I'm gonna show you crazy" day. My dad left this morning after spending eight whole days here. Well, technically 8.5, but who was counting?! Don't get me wrong, I love my dad (most days) but he can be a bit......old-fashioned, for lack of a better word. This whole diagnosis process with Spawn is intense, and he's been so well behaved the past couple of weeks, so I was hoping to minimise the risk of meltdowns. We did good; he only had two or three, and only one was intense. Yay!
However, dad was so quick to insult him, just like he did to me when I was younger. Spawn freaked out at the shopping centre (understandable, given his sensory issues!) and then my dad proceeded to berate him and call him a baby for the rest of the afternoon. With Spawn being Spawn, he has "Poppy" on this massive pedestal, and I could see the sadness overtaking the spark in his eyes. It literally made my heart crack. Why are people so quick to shame kids for having a tantrum?? If they only took a moment to try and understand WHY the child was having a fit, they could resolve the problem in a much more peaceful way. Instead, my dad did what he does best, and I spent the rest of the afternoon feeling guilty for not standing up for Spawn, as I didn't want to create an even bigger scene in the shopping centre.
Ughhh, mummy guilt is the worst. Even now, thinking about it makes me sick. I'm sorry Spawn. I promise to never again put my own pride above your happiness. I will always stand up for you, even if it means being the bad guy to everyone else. <3
Plus side; he left me his Chromecast - YES! Best thing ever. Easy streaming of Netflix to my TV for dayyyysssssssss.
In other crazy news: Easter. Chocolate. Sugar. Tantrums. HEADACHE.
I ate too much chocolate. Spawn ate a tiny Lindt bunny, which is all it takes to send him troppo. So he's been feral all afternoon. And I'm over here going crazy from excessive noise and chocolate overload. Ain't Easter fun?!!!!
How do you say chocolate in Italian? Cioccolato. That's my new thing for today!
And Spawn's word for the week is 'discombobulated'. It sounds nothing like that when it comes out of his mouth, but he's trying and it's super adorable!! "I'm discombobulated this morning, mummy." Love this kid.
In wrapping this up, I'm just going to put it out there that I could REALLY go some poutine right now! Canada, why you so far away??? I want to visit you. I want to inhabit you. I want to own you. Let's be friends, always?
Peace out.
- L. x
P.S. In trying to find an image containing both chocolate AND poutine, I came across this?!!! WHAAAAAAT?! Puke or want? I'm not sure....
I'm tired of trying to be normal
I'm always overthinking
I'm driving myself crazy
So what if I'm f*cking crazy?!
Do you ever hear a song and think to yourself: THAT'S MY SONG!!?
I do this. I do this a lot. Obviously, it depends on my mood - and my state of mind - as to whether certain songs are fitting of the ramblings inside my head.
Today though... Today is an "I'm gonna show you crazy" day. My dad left this morning after spending eight whole days here. Well, technically 8.5, but who was counting?! Don't get me wrong, I love my dad (most days) but he can be a bit......old-fashioned, for lack of a better word. This whole diagnosis process with Spawn is intense, and he's been so well behaved the past couple of weeks, so I was hoping to minimise the risk of meltdowns. We did good; he only had two or three, and only one was intense. Yay!
However, dad was so quick to insult him, just like he did to me when I was younger. Spawn freaked out at the shopping centre (understandable, given his sensory issues!) and then my dad proceeded to berate him and call him a baby for the rest of the afternoon. With Spawn being Spawn, he has "Poppy" on this massive pedestal, and I could see the sadness overtaking the spark in his eyes. It literally made my heart crack. Why are people so quick to shame kids for having a tantrum?? If they only took a moment to try and understand WHY the child was having a fit, they could resolve the problem in a much more peaceful way. Instead, my dad did what he does best, and I spent the rest of the afternoon feeling guilty for not standing up for Spawn, as I didn't want to create an even bigger scene in the shopping centre.
Ughhh, mummy guilt is the worst. Even now, thinking about it makes me sick. I'm sorry Spawn. I promise to never again put my own pride above your happiness. I will always stand up for you, even if it means being the bad guy to everyone else. <3
Plus side; he left me his Chromecast - YES! Best thing ever. Easy streaming of Netflix to my TV for dayyyysssssssss.
In other crazy news: Easter. Chocolate. Sugar. Tantrums. HEADACHE.
I ate too much chocolate. Spawn ate a tiny Lindt bunny, which is all it takes to send him troppo. So he's been feral all afternoon. And I'm over here going crazy from excessive noise and chocolate overload. Ain't Easter fun?!!!!
How do you say chocolate in Italian? Cioccolato. That's my new thing for today!
And Spawn's word for the week is 'discombobulated'. It sounds nothing like that when it comes out of his mouth, but he's trying and it's super adorable!! "I'm discombobulated this morning, mummy." Love this kid.
In wrapping this up, I'm just going to put it out there that I could REALLY go some poutine right now! Canada, why you so far away??? I want to visit you. I want to inhabit you. I want to own you. Let's be friends, always?
Peace out.
- L. x
P.S. In trying to find an image containing both chocolate AND poutine, I came across this?!!! WHAAAAAAT?! Puke or want? I'm not sure....
Wednesday, 1 April 2015
Autism Awareness Month.
As some of you may know, Spawn is currently undergoing an ASD diagnosis.
I'm not kidding when I say it is long, expensive, exhausting and scary.
But you know what I've learned this year? It's okay to fear the
unknown. There is so much out there that none of us know (including what
actually causes ASD!?), yet people can become so accustomed to their own
little bubble of safety, that they never expect to have to deal with
something as scary as ASD.
I have to admit, the first time I heard the word 'autism' in relation to my son, I almost burst into tears. I see autistic kids as being those super intelligent children who cannot talk, never show emotion, and live extraordinary lives that are anything but normal. All I wanted (and I'm assuming most parents would feel the same way) was for my child to grow up having lots of friends, confidence, and maybe some skills in the athletic world. Instead, I'm learning that Spawn has sensory processing issues, which explains some of his behaviour and his incessant need to touch myself (and others) to the point where it gets annoying. Which often results in guilt. Why is my son touching me annoying?? I should welcome his touch, right??! WRONG. You don't need to have sensory processing issues to become overwhelmed by constant touching. It's like having a stage five cling-on partner - ain't nobody got time for that!
So don't feel bad if your child is too touchy. You don't have to feel guilty because some parents wished their child would touch them at all. Everybody is experiencing different things, and just because one person's problems are not as bad as another persons does not make them irrelevant. It just means that some people are at a point in their life where having the wrong shade of pink nail polish on their toes is a total disaster, while others are rocking in a corner wondering if it's all their fault that their child is 'different'.
However, a little consideration does go a long way! I recommend using the filter between your brain and mouth whenever you're in a social setting, purely to avoid any potential awkwardness. :)
So anyway, I digress (a little). April is Autism Awareness Month, and the month kicks off with a 'wear blue on April 2' theme, in order to help spread awareness.
Autism is more than just the a-typical "autism" that most people grew up understanding. As of 2013, Autism - or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as it's now known - now encompasses all disorders on the spectrum, including the high-functioning Asperger Syndrome.
Many people comment on how children don't look like they have autism. ASD is not a deformity that leaves a person with visual anomalies. ASD makes a person special. Unique - more-so than others. ASD means that a child can have difficulty handling normal social situations, such as a trip to the supermarket, a school assembly, or understanding a person's boundaries. ASD means a person sees the world a little differently than us 'normal' folk, but that is in no way a bad thing. Can you imagine how amazing it could be to see the world in more than just black and white? To see yellow and blue and green and all the other colours of the spectrum??? I truly believe that 'normal' people are the ones who should be looked at with pity.
So the next time somebody tells you that their child has ASD, do yourself a favour; don't look at them with pity, or move away thinking they're contagious. Stop and have a conversation with them, if they're able. It could be one of the most enlightening conversations of your life. :)
If you're curious to read more about Autism Spectrum Disorder, there is plenty of information available, some of which can be found:
here
and here
and even here.
And if you're curious about the ASD diagnosis process, some information relating to how it's done in Australia can be found here. If you think someone you know may have ASD, the diagnosis process can be long and confusing, so don't be afraid to ask your GP questions, or go see a paediatrition/psychologist.
Peace out.
- L. x
I have to admit, the first time I heard the word 'autism' in relation to my son, I almost burst into tears. I see autistic kids as being those super intelligent children who cannot talk, never show emotion, and live extraordinary lives that are anything but normal. All I wanted (and I'm assuming most parents would feel the same way) was for my child to grow up having lots of friends, confidence, and maybe some skills in the athletic world. Instead, I'm learning that Spawn has sensory processing issues, which explains some of his behaviour and his incessant need to touch myself (and others) to the point where it gets annoying. Which often results in guilt. Why is my son touching me annoying?? I should welcome his touch, right??! WRONG. You don't need to have sensory processing issues to become overwhelmed by constant touching. It's like having a stage five cling-on partner - ain't nobody got time for that!
So don't feel bad if your child is too touchy. You don't have to feel guilty because some parents wished their child would touch them at all. Everybody is experiencing different things, and just because one person's problems are not as bad as another persons does not make them irrelevant. It just means that some people are at a point in their life where having the wrong shade of pink nail polish on their toes is a total disaster, while others are rocking in a corner wondering if it's all their fault that their child is 'different'.
However, a little consideration does go a long way! I recommend using the filter between your brain and mouth whenever you're in a social setting, purely to avoid any potential awkwardness. :)
So anyway, I digress (a little). April is Autism Awareness Month, and the month kicks off with a 'wear blue on April 2' theme, in order to help spread awareness.
Autism is more than just the a-typical "autism" that most people grew up understanding. As of 2013, Autism - or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as it's now known - now encompasses all disorders on the spectrum, including the high-functioning Asperger Syndrome.
Many people comment on how children don't look like they have autism. ASD is not a deformity that leaves a person with visual anomalies. ASD makes a person special. Unique - more-so than others. ASD means that a child can have difficulty handling normal social situations, such as a trip to the supermarket, a school assembly, or understanding a person's boundaries. ASD means a person sees the world a little differently than us 'normal' folk, but that is in no way a bad thing. Can you imagine how amazing it could be to see the world in more than just black and white? To see yellow and blue and green and all the other colours of the spectrum??? I truly believe that 'normal' people are the ones who should be looked at with pity.
So the next time somebody tells you that their child has ASD, do yourself a favour; don't look at them with pity, or move away thinking they're contagious. Stop and have a conversation with them, if they're able. It could be one of the most enlightening conversations of your life. :)
If you're curious to read more about Autism Spectrum Disorder, there is plenty of information available, some of which can be found:
here
and here
and even here.
And if you're curious about the ASD diagnosis process, some information relating to how it's done in Australia can be found here. If you think someone you know may have ASD, the diagnosis process can be long and confusing, so don't be afraid to ask your GP questions, or go see a paediatrition/psychologist.
Peace out.
- L. x
 |
| Chasing waves at Bells Beach! |
Monday, 30 March 2015
Hello, Sanity?
Dear Blog World
It has been eight days since I last blogged, and three days since Spawn started his first school holidays.
Three whole days. Well, technically one, seeing as weekends apparently do not count.
ONE WHOLE DAY. And already I may be slightly crazy. He's been great. TOO great. You know when there's a big storm coming, and right before that storm, there's this eery sense of calmness about the world?? I feel like my life is in that stage, and it's FREAKING ME OUT.
It's been fun though. We went to Healesville Sanctuary yesterday. Was a great day for it, and a ridiculously long drive, throughout which I was able to reminisce about the days when I would drive out that way at least once a week..... How on earth did I afford the petrol back then?!! Crazy.
So anyway, we went to Healesville. Great place, by the way. Definitely recommend if you're ever in the area. Or the state. Or the country, depending on where you're reading this from. They have this damper making station. Oh, my god. Do you remember making damper during school camps, back in the day? (well, for me it was back in the day. I'm such a fossil, lol!) They did it differently at Healesville. There were big chunks of lemon myrtle in the dough. Can I just say, my tastebuds are practically orgasming just thinking about it!!! Who would have thought that merely mixing flour, water and lemon myrtle together could bring such a strong reaction!!? Ughhhhhhhhh. Give me a minute...
So anyway, I left Healesville smelling like I'd spent the weekend camping. Not necessarily a bad thing: I do enjoy that smoky hair smell.... Until I walk into my clean house and discover how overpowering the smell of smoke can be, when it's in every crevice of my body/clothing!! Jeepers!
Now I want to go camping. I should go camping!!! Spawn needs to go camping!! He wants to be a bug cowboy, after all. Shame this little bug cowboy is terrified of flies and ants. LOL. And wasps too, apparently.
OH, right! A friendly warning: Melbourne Zoo has a crazy amount of pigeons. Typical Melbourne thing.
Werribee Zoo is full of flies. Well, it is open range and full of African animals who do big poos...
However, Healesville Sanctuary is full of wasps. Yes, WASPS. What even?!!! They're perfectly harmless, yet annoying as hell. If you have food in your mouth, they will TRY TO GET INTO YOUR MOUTH. Hilarious.
That's me done, for now. I will no doubt return in a few days, once the storm has hit.
Peace out.
- L. x
It has been eight days since I last blogged, and three days since Spawn started his first school holidays.
Three whole days. Well, technically one, seeing as weekends apparently do not count.
ONE WHOLE DAY. And already I may be slightly crazy. He's been great. TOO great. You know when there's a big storm coming, and right before that storm, there's this eery sense of calmness about the world?? I feel like my life is in that stage, and it's FREAKING ME OUT.
It's been fun though. We went to Healesville Sanctuary yesterday. Was a great day for it, and a ridiculously long drive, throughout which I was able to reminisce about the days when I would drive out that way at least once a week..... How on earth did I afford the petrol back then?!! Crazy.
So anyway, we went to Healesville. Great place, by the way. Definitely recommend if you're ever in the area. Or the state. Or the country, depending on where you're reading this from. They have this damper making station. Oh, my god. Do you remember making damper during school camps, back in the day? (well, for me it was back in the day. I'm such a fossil, lol!) They did it differently at Healesville. There were big chunks of lemon myrtle in the dough. Can I just say, my tastebuds are practically orgasming just thinking about it!!! Who would have thought that merely mixing flour, water and lemon myrtle together could bring such a strong reaction!!? Ughhhhhhhhh. Give me a minute...
So anyway, I left Healesville smelling like I'd spent the weekend camping. Not necessarily a bad thing: I do enjoy that smoky hair smell.... Until I walk into my clean house and discover how overpowering the smell of smoke can be, when it's in every crevice of my body/clothing!! Jeepers!
Now I want to go camping. I should go camping!!! Spawn needs to go camping!! He wants to be a bug cowboy, after all. Shame this little bug cowboy is terrified of flies and ants. LOL. And wasps too, apparently.
OH, right! A friendly warning: Melbourne Zoo has a crazy amount of pigeons. Typical Melbourne thing.
Werribee Zoo is full of flies. Well, it is open range and full of African animals who do big poos...
However, Healesville Sanctuary is full of wasps. Yes, WASPS. What even?!!! They're perfectly harmless, yet annoying as hell. If you have food in your mouth, they will TRY TO GET INTO YOUR MOUTH. Hilarious.
That's me done, for now. I will no doubt return in a few days, once the storm has hit.
Peace out.
- L. x
 |
| baby emus!!!! <3 |
Wednesday, 18 March 2015
Reminiscing.
So way back when (think five years ago), I used to blog. My posts were similar to the ones you read today, in that I was a crazy lady back then too. Except I was also sleep deprived and dealing with the perks of being mother to a (not-so) little baby. Nawwwwwww.
Anyway, I thought I'd share my first post from my old blog...... I've grown up a lot these past five years, haha. :)
I wasn't always this way. Once upon a time I was about as normal as normal gets. Happy, carefree, impulsive..... Not sure what happened!? ...oh, that's right. A living being decided to grow inside of me and not only steal my heart, but also my sanity.
No wait, that's a lie. I've never been normal. I've never cared what anyone thought... Always spoke my mind, and did whatever I pleased. I'm the sort of special you only read about. The infamous "window licker" variety. Rare species we are. ....Rare, yet totally awesome!
So I bet you're wondering what I'm doing here!? Well, I have all this *stuff* running through my head! All day, every day, it's there...Sending my brain into overdrive, and resulting in the CRAZY. So I decided (after severe peer pressure!) to start a blog. Never done this before.... Slightly disturbed. Like the turd my son did this morning.... I wont gross you out with details, but it was badddddddd!
So anyway, the moral of my blog? Oh, there is none. I just wanted to waste your time! :)
Up and coming blogs may include.....
Moving across the country.
Christmas chaos.
Smelly poo's.
Cleaning.
Rants.
And other hilarious bullsh*t.
You may not know this, but I moved across the country shortly after writing that post. With my lovely one year old and not much else. The similarities between then and now are a little crazy. Which is fitting, considering my crazy theme!
Then: single mum, man-hater, battling postnatal depression, stress relating to the impending move, adjusting to life with a walker...
Now: single mum, man-hater, overcoming depression, job hunting stress, trying to decide whether to move or stay where I am, adjusting to life with a (somewhat) 'diagnosed' boy....
No wonder I'm crazy!! I need to stop putting myself in situations that cause so much stress! And maybe go get my hair dyed. My greys are showing.
Peace out.
- L. x
Anyway, I thought I'd share my first post from my old blog...... I've grown up a lot these past five years, haha. :)
I wasn't always this way. Once upon a time I was about as normal as normal gets. Happy, carefree, impulsive..... Not sure what happened!? ...oh, that's right. A living being decided to grow inside of me and not only steal my heart, but also my sanity.
No wait, that's a lie. I've never been normal. I've never cared what anyone thought... Always spoke my mind, and did whatever I pleased. I'm the sort of special you only read about. The infamous "window licker" variety. Rare species we are. ....Rare, yet totally awesome!
So I bet you're wondering what I'm doing here!? Well, I have all this *stuff* running through my head! All day, every day, it's there...Sending my brain into overdrive, and resulting in the CRAZY. So I decided (after severe peer pressure!) to start a blog. Never done this before.... Slightly disturbed. Like the turd my son did this morning.... I wont gross you out with details, but it was badddddddd!
So anyway, the moral of my blog? Oh, there is none. I just wanted to waste your time! :)
Up and coming blogs may include.....
Moving across the country.
Christmas chaos.
Smelly poo's.
Cleaning.
Rants.
And other hilarious bullsh*t.
You may not know this, but I moved across the country shortly after writing that post. With my lovely one year old and not much else. The similarities between then and now are a little crazy. Which is fitting, considering my crazy theme!
Then: single mum, man-hater, battling postnatal depression, stress relating to the impending move, adjusting to life with a walker...
Now: single mum, man-hater, overcoming depression, job hunting stress, trying to decide whether to move or stay where I am, adjusting to life with a (somewhat) 'diagnosed' boy....
No wonder I'm crazy!! I need to stop putting myself in situations that cause so much stress! And maybe go get my hair dyed. My greys are showing.
Peace out.
- L. x
Thursday, 5 March 2015
The Impending Execution.
Time for me to give my opinion on the pending Bali Nine executions.
First, let me just say that I am not entirely FOR the death penalty in any circumstance. However, that is mostly because I lead a relatively cushy life here in Australia.
As Australians, we are so used to our own problems and the ways they are dealt with, that we don't realise how bad it is in other countries. Sure, we see the news and read articles online, but how much do you really know about life in Indonesia?!
The drug problem over there is horrendous. I have no doubt that there are corrupt people over there who want death penalty dished out for purely sadistic purposes, but a lot of people see it as a last ditch attempt to try and save their kids. Their families. Their country.
The drug problem over there is horrendous. I have no doubt that there are corrupt people over there who want death penalty dished out for purely sadistic purposes, but a lot of people see it as a last ditch attempt to try and save their kids. Their families. Their country.
Nobody should die, I get it. But these guys knew EXACTLY what they were doing when they plotted to smuggle 8kg of heroine from Indonesia to Australia. You cannot spontaneously decide to smuggle such a massive amount of drugs without knowing the risks. No way. And the lives that would have been ruined, had that heroine made it into Australia.... Would you wish bad things upon smugglers if the drugs had made it into the country, only to be cut with something dirty that resulted in the death of someone you love?? Because that is a very real risk when dealing with drugs.
I believe the Bali Nine knew the risks and consequences of their actions, and it is for this reason that I'm not against the death penalty. I'm not entirely for it either, but definitely not against it.
....oh yay, a mini essay. Who needs to study!? :)
Peace out.
- L. x
Wednesday, 4 March 2015
I Think I Just.... [Southwest Sweet Potatoes w/ Grilled Chicken]
No wait, I KNOW I just had an orgasm in my mouth.
Oh, my god.
This is so good. I haven't actually made it yet, but just looking at it... Pwoar.
Anyway, here's the recipe. I'm mostly putting it here so I can find it later. I'm in a bit of a menu planning shakeup crazy funk thing right now. Much fun!
I will finish converting it to Australian later. ;)
Peace out.
- L. x
Oh, my god.
This is so good. I haven't actually made it yet, but just looking at it... Pwoar.
Anyway, here's the recipe. I'm mostly putting it here so I can find it later. I'm in a bit of a menu planning shakeup crazy funk thing right now. Much fun!
I will finish converting it to Australian later. ;)
- 1kg chicken breasts (measured raw)
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup black beans (optional)
- 1 cup broccoli
- 1 cup corn
- 2 vine tomatoes
- 2/3 capsicum
- 3 green onions
- 1 zucchini
- 5 tbsp mozzarella (optional)
- Seasonings such as cayenne, paprika, sea salt, pepper, southwest chipotle....
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 210.
- Wrap sweet potatoes in aluminum foil and bake until firm but soft, about 45-50 minutes.
- Season chicken with Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle, cayenne, paprika, and dash of sea salt, and cook in a nonstick frying pan. Set aside.
- Chop vegetables into small pieces.
- Saute garlic and corn in a nonstick skillet using spray coconut oil. Once corn is seared, toss in vegetables and black beans.
- Slice sweet potatoes in half and carve out part of the insides. Set carved-out portions aside to be used later.
- Spray sweet potato halves with coconut oil, then place back in oven for 5 minutes.
- Fill sweet potatoes with vegetable mixture, then top with 1 tbsp mozzarella.
- Bake for another 8 minutes at 210.
- Serve chicken breasts on the side with stuffed sweet potatoes.
Peace out.
- L. x
Friday, 20 February 2015
Donating My Hair!
So about a year ago, I cut my hair short for World's Greatest Shave. Unfortunately, my fat head would never be able to pull off the shaved look, nor did I have the balls to find out. All good though - I managed to cut a whopping 39cm off! Well, that was just the ponytail... I then lost a tonne more due to styling... Was a sad day. The fact it was for a good cause made it a LOT easier to stomach!! ;)
Anyway, the day has come... It is time...... TO DONATE MY PONYTAIL. Yes, ladies and gents, I have kept my ponytail in a drawer for the past year. Occasionally, I pull it out and lovingly stroke it, and reminisce about the days when I would complain about how long it took to straighten, or the headaches it gave me, or how long it took to grow to the length it was..... But not often. Because I'm not THAT crazy....
Where am I donating my hair, I hear you ask? Ahhh, why to the Princess Charlotte Alopecia program, of course! The program is run through Variety, a children's charity organisation, and aims to give young sufferers of alopecia a sense of confidence, independence and self-esteem, through the provision of specialised wigs! These wigs are essentially a priceless gift, due to the confidence they instill in the children, which in turn means those alopecia sufferers are able to take part in the activities they love and enjoy, but were too scared to participate in before receiving a wig.
And who doesn't love making kids smile?!!!! Ugh, I could go through life giving and giving to organisations who help sick kids, and never grow tired of it. :)
It took me awhile to find a program worthy of receiving my hair. Don't get me wrong, I am fully aware that anyone would love and be grateful for my hair, but I wanted to give it to someone ...I don't know. It took a lot for me to be willing to actually part with my hair. Alopecia is something that a lot of people don't know about, and maybe I can bring awareness to another handful of people, who will one day bring awareness to another handful of people.... It's all about that chain reaction!
So, enough rambling from me. .
Peace out.
- L. x
Anyway, the day has come... It is time...... TO DONATE MY PONYTAIL. Yes, ladies and gents, I have kept my ponytail in a drawer for the past year. Occasionally, I pull it out and lovingly stroke it, and reminisce about the days when I would complain about how long it took to straighten, or the headaches it gave me, or how long it took to grow to the length it was..... But not often. Because I'm not THAT crazy....
Where am I donating my hair, I hear you ask? Ahhh, why to the Princess Charlotte Alopecia program, of course! The program is run through Variety, a children's charity organisation, and aims to give young sufferers of alopecia a sense of confidence, independence and self-esteem, through the provision of specialised wigs! These wigs are essentially a priceless gift, due to the confidence they instill in the children, which in turn means those alopecia sufferers are able to take part in the activities they love and enjoy, but were too scared to participate in before receiving a wig.
And who doesn't love making kids smile?!!!! Ugh, I could go through life giving and giving to organisations who help sick kids, and never grow tired of it. :)
It took me awhile to find a program worthy of receiving my hair. Don't get me wrong, I am fully aware that anyone would love and be grateful for my hair, but I wanted to give it to someone ...I don't know. It took a lot for me to be willing to actually part with my hair. Alopecia is something that a lot of people don't know about, and maybe I can bring awareness to another handful of people, who will one day bring awareness to another handful of people.... It's all about that chain reaction!
So, enough rambling from me. .
Peace out.
- L. x
 |
| The ponytail in question. |
Wednesday, 11 February 2015
When I was a Little Girl....
I wasn't a conventional little girl. Sure, I went through a phase (probably between 6-8) where I loved barbies and all things pink, but I quickly turned into a bit of a tomboy. I preferred to climb trees and hang with the boys, rather than play with dolls and talk about boys. ;)
We all know that a lot of little girls LOVE to plan their future fairytale wedding....... Yeahhhh, I wasn't one of those girls. While my friends were off cutting up wedding magazines, I was cutting up magazines that contained my ideal house. Thankfully, my design folder has changed over the years to accommodate the change in styles/technology, but I still keep all my old dreams in the back.....just in case. You never know when linoleum flooring could once again become a dream, LOL.
So anyway, I found this folder today. And I realised that while I wasn't off planning a princess wedding, I sure was designing a princess house. Converted attic included.
Not sure if you know this or not, but attics aren't exactly common in Australia. That's more of a breeding ground for spiders, possums, and drop bears..... Not to mention that my "dream house" of the early to mid 90s was based on your typical 'Queenslander'. So my young brain had such big plans for this house that I would one day own (which, by the way, was supposed to be before I turned 30.... There is no way in hell that is going to happen, LOL.)
I miss being young and believing that the world was my oyster - if I could think it up, I could make it happen. There is something appealing about the naivety of youth!
For example, I'm currently watching my son build a lego spaceship that will take him to Uranus *insert childish giggle* when he's big like Uncle Dan and Uncle Mick. :)
Peace out!
- L. x
We all know that a lot of little girls LOVE to plan their future fairytale wedding....... Yeahhhh, I wasn't one of those girls. While my friends were off cutting up wedding magazines, I was cutting up magazines that contained my ideal house. Thankfully, my design folder has changed over the years to accommodate the change in styles/technology, but I still keep all my old dreams in the back.....just in case. You never know when linoleum flooring could once again become a dream, LOL.
So anyway, I found this folder today. And I realised that while I wasn't off planning a princess wedding, I sure was designing a princess house. Converted attic included.
Not sure if you know this or not, but attics aren't exactly common in Australia. That's more of a breeding ground for spiders, possums, and drop bears..... Not to mention that my "dream house" of the early to mid 90s was based on your typical 'Queenslander'. So my young brain had such big plans for this house that I would one day own (which, by the way, was supposed to be before I turned 30.... There is no way in hell that is going to happen, LOL.)
I miss being young and believing that the world was my oyster - if I could think it up, I could make it happen. There is something appealing about the naivety of youth!
For example, I'm currently watching my son build a lego spaceship that will take him to Uranus *insert childish giggle* when he's big like Uncle Dan and Uncle Mick. :)
Peace out!
- L. x
 |
| This house is super similar to the one of my dreams, circa 1993. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)