Category: Consciousness

He’s back. Thankfully he doesn’t stink too much.

The fishes are still fine and the turtles are back to their regular routines.

I realise that the weekend isn’t yet over but the opportunities to complete my task list are. So, here’s the report card I’ve written for myself.

1.     Hijack Nathan’s blog.     A

I briefly considered changing the passwords of his blog and holding them at ransom. That would have been fun – for me anyway. I’m sure some of you out there are looking forward to hearing less of me and more of Nathan. It’s been fun having some virtual friends over the weekend. Special mention goes to my sister and queenstuss for commenting. You made me feel special. 

2.     Master Greek                 E

Apparently eating Greek does not count towards learning Greek. This is a shame really, because we’re going to have some tonight. No time for Greek this weekend. I thought about it though.

3.     Finish my 1^st grade violin book.              C+

Technically I didn’t finish the book but I did make some great progress. And I got a compliment. Nathan’s really looking forward to his little concert.

4.     Design an outdoor setting which I could possibly build.        B

If the emphasis was on the design I completed the task well. However, I’ve decided that we don’t have the skills, tools or space to build something even as simple as a table. There’s not much you can build with a heat gun and screwdriver. I actually found a webpage with detailed building directions but I didn’t understand 80% of the jargon so I don’t think I’m quite ready for the task.

I love writing report cards. 

Our pets know me too well. It seems that they sensed Nathan’s absence and thought they’d have more chance surviving in the big wide world all on their own. If I had a video camera and some dramatic music there’s a good chance that the following recount would make the cut for Animal Rescue.

I’ve attacked my weekend task list with gusto*. Having successfully hijacked Nathan’s blog, I began violin practice.

Let’s just say that my violin isn’t the most exquisite of instruments. Nathan got it for $60 from oo.com.au and when I took to the highly esteemed violin teacher at school he suggested that I throw it out and get another one. Not wanting to waste a real bargain, I thought I’d get some practise under my belt before upgrading. I also know that a beginner violinist sounds a lot like cat claws on a tin roof or nails on a chalkboard so, coupled with a poor quality instrument, I don’t have a good combination going on. This in mind, all of my practise so far has been done while Nathan is at work, either on a Monday or if I got home earlier than he.  So far, I’ve been a quite considerate learner, or, so I thought.

Shortly after I began playing this morning I heard a knock at the door. I quickly realised that all of my windows and doors were open (I usually shut them so nobody can hear me) so I thought it must be one of the neighbours coming to plead with me to stop. However, much to my surprise, it was a man from the unit diagonal from us who had come over tell me that my playing sounded “just wonderful” and that I should “keep up the great work”. My first ever compliment.

Quite chuffed with myself I returned to my playing, moving on from ‘Hot Cross Buns’ and ‘Ode to Joy’ to ‘Jingle Bells’.  It’s then that I realise that, due to my ‘kindness’, I haven’t given Nathan much of a chance to hear me play. Never mind, I shall make up for lost time when he returns. Lucky boy. 

*I tried to use this word on a child’s report card once. It got rejected. I was very disappointed.  

A large number of the men from Willows are roughing it on men’s camp this weekend. Last night I learnt that at such camps they “don’t need soap” and “probably won’t shower anyway”.  Charming.

Nathan chose the optimal time to begin preparing for camp – 11pm the night before a 7am departure. This resulted in some difficulties arranging a few of the essential items he needed including a sleeping mat, crockery, toothpaste, a tent and a lift to camp. Thankfully he didn’t need to take his own food but the second thing that went into his bag was some freshly roasted coffee beans, a grinder and the stove top espresso maker. Even when camping there are a few luxuries one cannot go without.

During his mad scramble last night, I came to the conclusion that Nathan is probably not the most organised person that I know. At which point I began to wonder if women tend to be more organised than men. Probably not the question to ask Nathan at the time but I asked it anyway. And this led to a discussion. A long discussion. Very late at night. Which had no conclusion. We tried to come to some agreement by listing the couples in which the man is more organised but found this very difficult as sometimes perceptions are deceiving. What is true in your experience? 

My theory is women are better able to multi-task and are more attentive to details which make them more capable of being organised. I haven’t yet found an argument to support that men are more capable of organisation.  

Nathan has gone away this weekend to learn how to be a better husband. He’s left me at home, alone and sick. Does anybody else see the irony in this?

I’ve given myself a somewhat ambitious task list to complete over the weekend despite my absent husband and ill health. 

1.       Hijack Nathan’s blog.

I think I can successfully tick this one off. Off to a good start.

2.       Master Greek. At least the first page of vocab anyway.

This one I think I’ll struggle with. I’ve been sporadically learning them for the past few weeks now and they are sticking in my brain very well. 

3.       Finish my 1^st grade violin book.

I haven’t played my violin for at least 6 months because I broke the rosin. Having replaced this yesterday I’m ready for another shot.

4.       Design an outdoor setting which I could possibly build.

So I know that this one is far too ambitious but I thought I’d do some research away. Maybe Dad will be able to help… 

My intention is to give you an update by the end of the weekend.