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January 1999

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ESCAPE FOR A WEEK
Saturday, 30 January 1999

Last night we arrived back after a quick trip down to Perth. It wasn't entirely an unexpected trip - afterall, I had bought two tickets to the Paul Kelly concert that was to be held on Australia Day at the Belviour Amphitheatre.

There was also an opportunity to see family and friends again, and to show off Thomas once more (do you think we look like proud parents?) And of course there was the shopping.

We made a further trip down south to Dunsborough to visit Catherine, our houseguest of several months last year. It was a three hour trip south of Perth to the busy seaside resort town, where Catherine's parents run a beach-side cafe. We got some nice pics on the digital camera and you can see them here.

The previously mentioned Paul Kelly concert was worth the wait in the very hot summer sun. Held at a very good natural amphitheatre in the picturesque Swan Valley just out of Perth, the concert was a sell-out, as Paul's shows here often are. We had arrived early, in order to get the best position possible. Managed to secure second or third teir grass step just off to one side of the stage area.

Paul's support act this tour was New Zealander Bic Runga. Very impressed with that lady - she was very enjoyable both solo and with her band. So much so that next day, I sought out her album.

Paul eventually came on with his band, including the electrifying Spencer Jones playing guitar, and blew us all away with a superb concert. Many songs off his current album, as well as lots of his all time favourites. I got a few pics with the camera, although they didn't come out all that good, even with the so-called zoom lens on the camera I was using.

The rest of the time was spent trying to catch up on sleep, getting the essential shopping done and visiting the rellies. Its great to be back safely though. On the way back we passes a rather horrific road accident scene. It just amazes me how people can forget what happens when you speed, or drink and drive, or simply loose attention to whats happening with the vehicle. It can be all over in a split second, like it was for this poor guy. Very sobering, and I can tell you we drove a lot more carefully after seeing that (not that I drive recklessly anyway - it just made me think and drive extra carefully.

Anyway, enough of that. Its back to work this week - and there is so much to do - classes start on the 8th February!

Oh, and I turned 42 last Thursday.

CHALK AND CHEESE
Saturday, 23 January 1999

All kids are different.

Yeah, I know that that may seem obvious, but it's true. Take my children for example. My eldest daughter, Rosa, was definitely "Daddies girl". When she was a baby, I spent a lot of time with her. I've always felt close emotionally to her, even though now she is grown up and lives on the other side of the country. But, even ten years ago when I separated from my first wife and the children stayed with her, I always felt close to Rosa. When Rosa was going through the difficult teenage years, she was the one that wanted to come and visit me, and eventually moved over here with her boyfriend for a number of years.

Then there is my eldest son, Rohan. I love him dearly, but he was definitely a "Mummies Boy". Now I don't mean that in a negative way, just that he was closer to his mother. When he came along, I was very busy working, and didn't have as much time to spend with him. He turns 18 this year and intends to go backpacking in Europe. He's a fine boy, but sometimes I regret that I didn't spend as much time with him.

After my first marriage broke up, and I started sharing my life with Leonie, it wasn't long before Kathryn came along. Kathryn gets on pretty well with both of us, but, I think she is probably more "Mummies Girl" - atleast Leonie thinks so. Kathryn and I still have our little things that we do together, and she is still my little girl.

And now we have Thomas. He's definitely shaping up to be "Daddies boy". Right from when he was born, I've been there. I gave him his first bottle - when he was bearly half an hour old. He knows me, feels comfortable with me - and if I had boobs, I'm sure I'd be "heaven on a stick". Its interesting seeing him start to develop. At four weeks old, he is starting to notice his environment. He knows the difference between Leonie and I. He enjoys obvserving his little world.

Last night was a classic example of how he likes being with me. He woke up at about 3am and after Laonie fed him, he lay in the bed between us. I was still sleeping at this point. I felt a little tickle on my arm. Leonie said he had riggled his way over closer to me and had reached out to touch me - obviously intent on waking me up. Well, he succeeded. And then put on a smile when I rolled over and picked him up to lay him on my stomach. He looked up into my eyes as if to say "Well, atlast you woke up". It was actually quite funny. He was wide eyed for the next hour or two (with a very short nap in between), so we had fun walking up and down the hallway, crashing on the couch, and having another bottle.

So, you see, all kids are different. This lot are all my kids, and I love them all dearly. I just think its interesting how they develop, and how they end up marginally closer to one or the other of their parents.

We finally got the hospital photos back that we had done soon after returning to Kalgoorlie.

This weekend, we are off down to Perth and the South Coast for as few days.

SLEEPLESS IN KALGOORLIE
Tuesday, 19 January 1999

Oh dear! Where does the time go.

Its been two weeks since we got back from Perth (and was it ever nice driving up in the new car - I don't know how we survived without air conditioning - it was 43 degrees C most of the way - and the cruise control - no more speeding tickets for me...) I've been back at work during that time answering calls from prospective students, delivering a couple of in-office training sessions, and generally slacking around.

But at home its been a different matter.

Young Thomas has continued to amaze and thrill all around him - and generally make himself the center of attention - specially at 3am! Seems his body clock hasn't yet kicked in - he thinks daytime is for sleeping, and night time, well, thats for waking up, wanting to be fed, cuddled, and generally helped through life. 8^)

Several mornings I have been up at odd hours with him, so, of course, I get his bottle, sit him down on my lap, and go on-line chatting. Its certainly surprised a few of the regulars I chat with! But it has had its rewarding moments - like being able to calm him when he's upset, and that look in his eyes as I walk him up and down the hallway to get him to sleep. As a parent, those sort of times are priceless. Sometimes he can be very frustrating - particularly lately - he's had a few problems with his bowels, and has been feeling downright uncomfortable. But I don't think I would ever trade him for anything else, not even for a long uninterrupted sleep.

Anyway, enough of that gushing sensitive new-age guy thing. Funny, how after all that, there isn't much else to write about...