The Griswald Family Vacation

I managed to get a few day's 'off' over Easter so we packed the car and headed for a leisurely 9 1/2 hour drive down to Victoria.

I hadn't really planned to do the drive in one day, just thought I would see how I went. And considering our first stop was at Macca's McCafe only an hour and a half down the road, I thought we may be lucky to get to our destination before we would have to be coming home.

First stop - 1 1/2 hours from the start!!!

But we managed it.  With stops at Fyshwick (afore mentioned Maccas), then Nimmatabel (what the???) then Orbost for petrol, we managed to make it to my The Phantom Poster's motel accommodation. Lucky having family running a motel - wonder if they might make their next one in Southern France or somewhere similar?

Lunch by the lake at Nimmatabel

We chatted, sang, slept (well only brief power naps for me as I was driving) and discovered many many many toilets on the way as Senior Sergeant liked to do such inspections.

Horse Girl had set herself up in the back seat with her books, I pod's, snacks, cushions, pillows, blankets etc  - just like her own mini apartment.

Senior Sergeant likes to be the navigator although his habit of screaming out at the top of his lungs "JEEEZZZZUUUUSSSSS" every time I went to overtake someone was a little disconcerting.

Anyways, most of the family were there celebrating Nana Gypsy's 80th birthday.  Was great catching up with everyone, although some of us did have to stand on stools to greet certain nephews who now seem to be about 85 feet tall.

The Queen and her subjects (we made them all either kneel or crouch!)

But it was lots of fun and although we had a couple of family members missng in action, we still thought about them and wished they were there. And it was great to catch up with all who were there.

So Nana, we hope you enjoyed your 80th birthday in country Victoria. Perhaps the 90th might be in that motel in Southern France!

Cheers

Lisa xox

An Elephant's Hide

I am writing this post basically for me as an outlet.
So, if you are after a laugh, or a giggle, or even a smirk, perhaps look away NOW!

I have been working since I was 14 - starting off as a babysitter and working in a bakery. I have never ever turned away from hard work, in fact, the harder it gets, or the more it involves, it is almost the better I do at it and the better results I achieve.

I do not profess to be an expert at ANYTHING. Ok, maybe at singing ABBA songs after a bevy or two, but that is it.

I work hard. I expect nothing for doing nothing. I do not ask the government for money. I am able to work, to use my brain and to use my body. Some days I may forget that I have both those things to use, when I may feel a little sorry for myself.

I don't mean to forget that. Unfortunately, I often have a black dog nipping at my heels. Some times I am really good at getting rid of that black dog, giving it a kick away and going along on my way.

Other times, I have felt as though that black dog is taking over my life. I find it hard to do things, and to concentrate, to get things completed. BUT, I have never used that as an excuse. I have always tried to work hard, and if I feel that Black Dog is around, I actually try even harder with work, to ensure I do the best I can. And I have never, nor will ever, use that as an 'excuse'. I am OK!

No doubt, some days, I have not done the best I could. But, tell me anyone who has. 

I know I take things to heart way too much. I want to be the best and do the best and more often than not, I'm not the best. But I mostly try to give it my best effort.

I make mistakes. Sometimes, I make a few in a few days. Sometimes, a few in a few minutes. But I am not ashamed to ask for help, or clearer instructions, or even some instructions, if I have done the wrong thing.

But, I have never LIED, nor CHEATED, nor tried to make anyone feel inferior. If I make a mistake, I ADMIT IT. Sorry, I am not perfect. I have never, ever claimed to be.

But, do not lie to me. I have learnt, the hard way, to keep notes. Very. comprehensive. notes.
This is not the way I want to be, but I have learnt to be that way. If you choose to accuse me of not doing something, and this is done purely to protect your own inadequacies, I will not defend you. I will not allow you to belittle me. Nor will I allow you to disrepect my professionalism.

Perhaps you might need to look in a mirror. No one is perfect. Not. Even. You.

Just be very careful what you do and say.  I may have the hide of an elephant.

I also have the memory of one.

Cheers

Lisa xox

I'm having a teeny tiny break

Hello out there

I am having a wee little blogging break at the moment

Not because I don't have anything to say, because let's face it I always do!

I have been instructed to have a computer break on medical advice would you believe. Didn't know my doctor actually read my blog - maybe she needed the break from it???!!!

Not about blogging, but am a wee bit stressed with some of my work

SO I am turning off for a day or two

But seeing as the Easter break is coming up, and we will be seeing family, there is bound to be a story or five ready to be posted

Have a great Easter break, stay safe, eat lots of chocolate, and see ya on the flip side

Cheers

Lisa x0x