21 October 2010
Fiji holiday photos finally posted!!!!
I have now included photos in all the Fiji entries. I amended a couple of the narratives and am still yet to include text in others. Getting there.......
20 October 2010
Wed 20-Oct-10 (9 months, Ben's AFL presentation)
Both Ben and I woke, feeling a million dollars.
In the car on the way to school, we chatted about how slowly, yet quickly time has passed. I sat last night after working till late at home just scrolling through the last five years of photos and realised how important those memories were, but also how they mean nothing to Maria anymore. Strange thoughts that arise through grief.
The work day was a little heavy in that I had two of my staff experience serious family medical issues (one involving an emergency caesarian tomorrow morning for their first child, and the other with a terminally ill dad whose passing is imminent). I was at least able to support them with hugs and SMSs. I know that the hugs I received spoke a thousand words when words were not what was needed.
This evening we had Ben's AFL presentation. He was very excited to receive a trophy (as did the entire team) and we won a signed Western Bulldogs AFL jersey in the raffle (link for those foreign to AFL). Ben was chuffed. Another late night for the kids.
In the car on the way to school, we chatted about how slowly, yet quickly time has passed. I sat last night after working till late at home just scrolling through the last five years of photos and realised how important those memories were, but also how they mean nothing to Maria anymore. Strange thoughts that arise through grief.
The work day was a little heavy in that I had two of my staff experience serious family medical issues (one involving an emergency caesarian tomorrow morning for their first child, and the other with a terminally ill dad whose passing is imminent). I was at least able to support them with hugs and SMSs. I know that the hugs I received spoke a thousand words when words were not what was needed.
This evening we had Ben's AFL presentation. He was very excited to receive a trophy (as did the entire team) and we won a signed Western Bulldogs AFL jersey in the raffle (link for those foreign to AFL). Ben was chuffed. Another late night for the kids.
Tue 19-Oct-10 (another work excursion)
Ben was too unwell in the morning with diarrhoea. After dropping Gabi he accompanied me to work. We stayed till the early afternoon. Ben sat quietly watching DVDs on my laptop and was very polite to all of my colleagues (as was Gabi the week before). I was very proud of them both.
By the evening Ben was settling and I was struggling with what he had.
By the evening Ben was settling and I was struggling with what he had.
Mon 18-Oct-10 (more illness - Ben this time)
Ben had a mate come home on Monday afternoon so they could work on a project together. They went out the back to ride scooter and jump the ramp. After a short time Ben returned and complained of stomach aches. I knew this was not play acting, especially not being well enough to engage in those activities.
By the evening he was going downhill.
By the evening he was going downhill.
Week of 11 to 17-Oct-10 (illness, parents help, leaking roof)
I took Gabi into work with me for part of Tuesday, then had Wednesday off work. As she was not improving, I called my parents Wednesday morning and they blessed us by driving down to be there. Gabi stayed off Thursday, but was well enough to return to school on Friday.
Gabi complained that her light wasn't working. On Saturday evening I pulled off the light cover to find it was filled with water (it tipped and poured over me, Gabi's bed and the floor. We had to isolate the room for the night.
We had a relaxing weekend at the local shopping centre, church, and on the roof pulling up tiles in an effort to locate the source of the leak. Nothing could be found. In fact it was quite dry. I put a new globe in and all is working okay for now.
We all really appreciated the home-cooked meals and game of Monopoly (especially me, who couldn't do a thing wrong - for a change).
Gabi complained that her light wasn't working. On Saturday evening I pulled off the light cover to find it was filled with water (it tipped and poured over me, Gabi's bed and the floor. We had to isolate the room for the night.
We had a relaxing weekend at the local shopping centre, church, and on the roof pulling up tiles in an effort to locate the source of the leak. Nothing could be found. In fact it was quite dry. I put a new globe in and all is working okay for now.
We all really appreciated the home-cooked meals and game of Monopoly (especially me, who couldn't do a thing wrong - for a change).
Mon 11-Oct-10 (first day back at school, Gabi sick)
After a week in Fiji and two weeks holiday, the kids should have been firing on all cylinders to return to work, but it was not to be. Gabi was especially sluggish. I put it down to the dread of returning to the school routine.
Later in the day I received a call from school to say Gabi had flu symptoms and was resting in sick bay. A short time later I received another call to say she was nauseas. Both she and Ben ended up with a short early mark.
Later in the day I received a call from school to say Gabi had flu symptoms and was resting in sick bay. A short time later I received another call to say she was nauseas. Both she and Ben ended up with a short early mark.
09 October 2010
30 September 2010
Mon 27-Sep-10 (Fiji - 7th/last full day)
Time with dear friends from Canberra....watch this space...
Sun 26-Sep-10 (Fiji - 6th full day)
Today is another scorcher! It’s the kids dinner time (just after 5:00pm) and I’m in the room typing the day’s events as Gabi rests. She had an accident a little while ago, hitting her nose and mouth on a fountain in the pool, which caused some bleeding. After I administered first aid and settled her down in the room, she fell asleep a short time later.
I noticed my stomach has not been 100% today, but I feel otherwise okay. With the late finish to last night we struggled to get out of bed. I was dragging Ben out at 9:45am as breakfast finishes at 10:00. More pool time for us all. I did some more water-sliding, but this time with Gabi in my lap. It is a fast slide so our combined bodyweight was like a torpedo hitting the water at high velocity. We met a couple with a seven year-old girl who live near my parents and where Ben was born. The lady even worked at the hospital at the same time as Maria but didn’t recall her name (a long time ago). Gabi and their daughter Myah seem to be getting on well and spent hours in the pool together today.
Gabi and I had an “Aussie BBQ Lunch” and a "mocktail" each, while Ben stuck to his usual, which is provided for the kids.
We’re one of 4-5 families remaining from the time we arrived. It’s interesting to watch people come and go and feel like we’re part of the furniture. I’m getting to know more of the staff. I was chatting with another staff member (Laite) and she asked about what music I listened to. When I told her Hillsong, this sparked another faith conversation.
I was chatting with another “long time” family and the mum and one of the sons went to the Methodist church in the local village this morning. That opened the door for me to share that I had a faith and was interested in her motivation for the church visit. She put it down to “something spiritual” she couldn’t clearly define.
I had hoped to do a few more local cultural activities with the kids, but they have just loved what they’ve been doing and my motivation has been a bit lacking...maybe next time...
Ben has just returned to the Bure after dinner and Gabi is still asleep. I’m planning an early night for the three of us. I’m hoping this little nap of Gabi’s doesn’t drive her to a second wind later...to be continued...
...later that evening...
After an hour or so I had some trouble trying to wake Gabi. I knew she was exhausted but apart from not wanting her to sleep I wanted to ensure she hadn't been concussed. As Gabi missed the kids' dinner she and I dined together before she went off to watch a movie with Ben. We ended up watching a live Polynesian dance evening, which included fire dancing, which the kids and adults "conga'd" down to. The guys were very impressive.
We had some photos taken with the performers and I got the kids back to the Bure a lot later than planned (just before 10pm), but fortunately before the "frog races" started.
I noticed my stomach has not been 100% today, but I feel otherwise okay. With the late finish to last night we struggled to get out of bed. I was dragging Ben out at 9:45am as breakfast finishes at 10:00. More pool time for us all. I did some more water-sliding, but this time with Gabi in my lap. It is a fast slide so our combined bodyweight was like a torpedo hitting the water at high velocity. We met a couple with a seven year-old girl who live near my parents and where Ben was born. The lady even worked at the hospital at the same time as Maria but didn’t recall her name (a long time ago). Gabi and their daughter Myah seem to be getting on well and spent hours in the pool together today.
Gabi and I had an “Aussie BBQ Lunch” and a "mocktail" each, while Ben stuck to his usual, which is provided for the kids.
I was chatting with another “long time” family and the mum and one of the sons went to the Methodist church in the local village this morning. That opened the door for me to share that I had a faith and was interested in her motivation for the church visit. She put it down to “something spiritual” she couldn’t clearly define.
I had hoped to do a few more local cultural activities with the kids, but they have just loved what they’ve been doing and my motivation has been a bit lacking...maybe next time...
Ben has just returned to the Bure after dinner and Gabi is still asleep. I’m planning an early night for the three of us. I’m hoping this little nap of Gabi’s doesn’t drive her to a second wind later...to be continued...
...later that evening...
After an hour or so I had some trouble trying to wake Gabi. I knew she was exhausted but apart from not wanting her to sleep I wanted to ensure she hadn't been concussed. As Gabi missed the kids' dinner she and I dined together before she went off to watch a movie with Ben. We ended up watching a live Polynesian dance evening, which included fire dancing, which the kids and adults "conga'd" down to. The guys were very impressive.
Sat 25-Sep-10 (Fiji - 5th full day)
We’ve just been chilling in the pool, shade and playing pool. I’m sitting by the bar in the shade with the occasional breeze coming through. I got chatting with one of the Activities staff (Tuli) who is a Christian and loves Hillsong music (and worship generally). They seem to have a lot of the older stuff. As I have all my music on my laptop and iPhone she can have a listen so I can see what she likes. When I get home I can buy a selection and send it. It sounds like some of the youth in their church like Christian “rap” so I might be able to sort them out too.
Both Ben and Gabi have been enjoying time with friends and on their own. Either the chlorine has intensified or the kids’ eyes have become more sensitive to it as they are both now wearing their goggles. Ben popped out for a slushy and headed straight back in.
A group went to the local rugby derby, but I was too heat sensitive to take the chance. I hung around the bar chatting with a few people with their own interesting stories before the AFL Grand Final (Magpies -v- Saints) kicked off. There were two very passionate Magpies supporters and the rest of us were barracking for the Saints. Amazingly the game finished in a draw. Of all the things I have positive to say about AFL, on this occasion I have an alternative view as it puts the sport back a century behind all other sports. The players, coaches and crowd were gutted, To come back in a week’s time and do it all over again is a huge ask when they left their all out on the field with the expectation of a result. The ticket sellers will be happy with another 100,000+ crowd next weekend, but in terms of corporate boxes and sponsorship, it’s hard to know what effect that will have.
Gabi got to play the drum after the firelighting ceremony with a friend, so she was chuffed!
My stomach started playing up late afternoon, which has been a trend speaking with a few others. I’m hoping mine is more heat-related.
Fri 24-Sep-10 (Fiji - 4th full day)
As I sat to type this entry, one of the staff (Lita) sat with me and chatted about what I was up to. We chatted for a little while about her life and work here in the resort. I was also joined by my mate “Will”, who is Ben’s age (the middle of three boys). He is a special needs child who has such a beautiful nature and is rightly adored by everyone. The staff really look after him. He is fascinated by the laptop. We have been having a chat, with me reminding him how popular he is here. He enjoyed my comment.
I woke at 3:00am in some pain as I now realise I have developed an allergy to the Aloe Vera gel I bought to sooth the sunburn. This happened in Israel three years ago and it all suddenly came back to me. I feels like my neck and shoulders have rubbed on stinging nettles.
Just as I was settling back to sleep, I got a call at 4:00am from one of the families who accidentally confused our room number for reception to gets their bags collected. I jokingly said I wasn’t in a position to travel down and help out and wished them a good trip. I left the phone off the hook and may do that for the remainder of the trip.
This morning we did the pool/water slide again and Ben was off with his mates. Gabi would let me know when she was ready, and for those of you familiar with Israeli hand gestures, would also let me know when she wasn't.
As my skin condition was becoming more unbearable I needed to get into Sigatoka town (FJD 50 return) to get sorted at a pharmacy.
Before heading into town, after lunch, Gabi made her own necklace and did a fantastic job. After having some difficulty tracking down Ben we were on our way. One of the staff had just finished his shift and hopped in with us for a ride. We chatted about the major semi final of the provincial rugby, which will take place tomorrow. They are going to organise a bus for people who want to come and support Sigatoka -v- Lautoka. The ground is apparently hard and dusty. With the size of these guys, it should be a match worth seeing. It will be a busy sports day as after the game there will be the AFL grand final and NRL (Rugby League) preliminary finals to watch back at the resort.
There was always the occasional pedestrian that you keep an eye out for.
The last time I was in Sigatoka was 20 years ago with Maria. We spent a short time here and it was all a little vague. We wandered the streets and I took some photos as well as visit the pharmacy. Unfortunately some of the products are imported from Australia and cost a fortune compared with back home. Regardless, cost was not an issue, especially when the alternative is ongoing pain and suffering.
Upon our return to the resort Gabi checked out one of the lady’s handiwork (jewellery). We got chatting and she has 7 kids! They have no electricity in their village but are blessed as her husband is a carver and the kids are learning the craft as well. We picked out a beautiful necklace and bracelet set, which will be part of an early birthday gift for "Gabs".
The kids watched a movie/TV in the room set up with beanbags. The plan was for an earlier night but the NRL (Roosters -v- Titans) was on live. As we’re two hours ahead, it meant that it didn’t kick off till nearly 10:00pm locally and finished by about 11:30pm. The kids ended up watching another movie during the footy so we ended up in bed after midnight.
I woke at 3:00am in some pain as I now realise I have developed an allergy to the Aloe Vera gel I bought to sooth the sunburn. This happened in Israel three years ago and it all suddenly came back to me. I feels like my neck and shoulders have rubbed on stinging nettles.
Just as I was settling back to sleep, I got a call at 4:00am from one of the families who accidentally confused our room number for reception to gets their bags collected. I jokingly said I wasn’t in a position to travel down and help out and wished them a good trip. I left the phone off the hook and may do that for the remainder of the trip.
This morning we did the pool/water slide again and Ben was off with his mates. Gabi would let me know when she was ready, and for those of you familiar with Israeli hand gestures, would also let me know when she wasn't.
Before heading into town, after lunch, Gabi made her own necklace and did a fantastic job. After having some difficulty tracking down Ben we were on our way. One of the staff had just finished his shift and hopped in with us for a ride. We chatted about the major semi final of the provincial rugby, which will take place tomorrow. They are going to organise a bus for people who want to come and support Sigatoka -v- Lautoka. The ground is apparently hard and dusty. With the size of these guys, it should be a match worth seeing. It will be a busy sports day as after the game there will be the AFL grand final and NRL (Rugby League) preliminary finals to watch back at the resort.
Upon our return to the resort Gabi checked out one of the lady’s handiwork (jewellery). We got chatting and she has 7 kids! They have no electricity in their village but are blessed as her husband is a carver and the kids are learning the craft as well. We picked out a beautiful necklace and bracelet set, which will be part of an early birthday gift for "Gabs".
