Thursday, April 12, 2007
SeaWorld
We took the kids to SeaWorld a few weeks ago, and had a really lovely time. Catherine's special treat was to feed the dolphins, while Christopher's was a 5 minute helicopter flight. Both were a success, although I suspect Catherine almost preferred the Flume Ride to the dolphin feed. She would have loved to swim with the dolphins, but that's for older children only. Anyway, here are some pics:
Catherine feeding Miko
In front of the helicopter
Dolphins!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Wheel of Time
I am reading book number 10 of a series called "The Wheel of Time" by Robert Jordan. I have been reading this series for a few months - mostly using library books, but on occasion (being unable to wait) buying a copy. It's interesting reading about the same characters over such a long timeframe... at the outset, I really didn't care much for any of them. After the first book I really became hooked, and now I am starting to look forward to seeing the end of the series.
Anyone who has read the series will resonate to the following, which is written into the start of each book of the series:
"The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the Third Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose.... The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of time. But it was a beginning."
Anyone who has read the series will resonate to the following, which is written into the start of each book of the series:
"The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the Third Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose.... The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of time. But it was a beginning."
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Getting Things Done
About 18 months ago I stumbled across a book called "Getting Things Done" by David Allen. It talks about how you can organise yourself in ways that allow you to keep your mind uncluttered. The concept of having a 'mind like water' particularly appealed to me. This is where you can be so on top of things that any new input, rather than causing chaos, can be dealt with appropriately and easily. The metaphor is that of throwing a rock or pebble into water and seeing how the water responds - neither over nor under-reacting.
I have been implementing GTD ever since, gradually tweaking my setup with time. The result has been gratifying, to say the least. Two elements introduced in the book have been particularly helpful to me: the 43 folder 'Tickler File', and the whole concept of Next Actions.
A tickler file simply consists of 43 folders which are set up in such a way that on any given day, all the paperwork and reminders I need pop up in my system. For example, if our library books are due on a certain day, the library slip will appear in my tickler file the day before they are due as a reminder. See setting up a tickler file for more detail if you're interested.
The centre of my GTD system, however, is my "next actions" hub. This is where I keep lists of every single thing I have to do next (hence the name) according to the context in which I do them. For example, I have next action lists for when I am at the computer (online and offline), for when I'm running errands, for when I'm making phone calls, for when I'm meeting certain people and so on. I currently have eight different contexts for my next actions. Within each contextual list, I keep reminders of all the things I need to do.
The trick to making this work is keeping 100% of what I need/want to do in my system. I am getting better at this, and the more I capture in my system, the more motivated I am to approach that 100% mark. Why? Because I am truly getting things done, I don't stress about what I'm not doing, and because I trust my system to hold all my information - thereby leaving my mind free for other things.
I have been implementing GTD ever since, gradually tweaking my setup with time. The result has been gratifying, to say the least. Two elements introduced in the book have been particularly helpful to me: the 43 folder 'Tickler File', and the whole concept of Next Actions.
A tickler file simply consists of 43 folders which are set up in such a way that on any given day, all the paperwork and reminders I need pop up in my system. For example, if our library books are due on a certain day, the library slip will appear in my tickler file the day before they are due as a reminder. See setting up a tickler file for more detail if you're interested.
The centre of my GTD system, however, is my "next actions" hub. This is where I keep lists of every single thing I have to do next (hence the name) according to the context in which I do them. For example, I have next action lists for when I am at the computer (online and offline), for when I'm running errands, for when I'm making phone calls, for when I'm meeting certain people and so on. I currently have eight different contexts for my next actions. Within each contextual list, I keep reminders of all the things I need to do.
The trick to making this work is keeping 100% of what I need/want to do in my system. I am getting better at this, and the more I capture in my system, the more motivated I am to approach that 100% mark. Why? Because I am truly getting things done, I don't stress about what I'm not doing, and because I trust my system to hold all my information - thereby leaving my mind free for other things.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Moleskines
OK. There is a weird world out there, and I've just seen the tip of an iceberg. You see, I have stumbled across an obsession some people have with Moleskines. What!!?? You don't know what they are? How could anyone survive without one?
Moleskines (various pronounciations, so just make up your own version) are notebooks. Yes indeed, but not just any notebooks.... these are notebooks that have spawned their very own internet sites, yahoo groups and countless blogs. Just Google them if you doubt me. You see?
So I confess I bought two just to see what all the fuss is about. I have a cute little pocket notebook and a larger blank version. They arrived last week and I'm using one for taking notes when I'm out and about (small enough to take anywhere). The other is reserved for creative journalling (will elaborate in another post).
Having only used them for a few days, I can say this: I like them. I like them a lot. And not only because they've been used by famous people in the past - although that does add something to the experience. They are plain, simple, almost boring, but I like their covers, their bands, their little storage pockets in the back, in short - I really like them.
Am I a Moleskine convert? I leave that for you to judge. If you buy one after reading this (and be warned, they are not cheap), then I probably am. Let me know if you become one too... :)
Moleskines (various pronounciations, so just make up your own version) are notebooks. Yes indeed, but not just any notebooks.... these are notebooks that have spawned their very own internet sites, yahoo groups and countless blogs. Just Google them if you doubt me. You see?
So I confess I bought two just to see what all the fuss is about. I have a cute little pocket notebook and a larger blank version. They arrived last week and I'm using one for taking notes when I'm out and about (small enough to take anywhere). The other is reserved for creative journalling (will elaborate in another post).
Having only used them for a few days, I can say this: I like them. I like them a lot. And not only because they've been used by famous people in the past - although that does add something to the experience. They are plain, simple, almost boring, but I like their covers, their bands, their little storage pockets in the back, in short - I really like them.
Am I a Moleskine convert? I leave that for you to judge. If you buy one after reading this (and be warned, they are not cheap), then I probably am. Let me know if you become one too... :)
Sunday, April 08, 2007
One Year On
I know I haven't written often lately, and there are a number of reasons for that.
Probably the main one is the personal process I've experienced in the wake of the court case. Now that we're approaching the one year anniversary of the trial, it's interesting to look back and see what effect it has had...
At the most deeply personal level, it has been difficult to say the least. Experiencing cross-examination on the witness stand left my self-esteem shattered. Just reliving any part of that process caused me anxiety and stress. The thought of reading the transcripts left me shaking and teary. This played itself out in periodic bouts of self-loathing and attempts to 'rebuild' my self image in various ways.
I have only recently managed to face up to this and forgive myself. It came to me that if anyone else I knew was berating themselves to this degree, I would immediately give them my love and understanding. But because my cross-examination took place first, none of my usual circle of support people was present, and I therefore had no way to do a reality check.
Essentially, I've had to step back and say that I did the very best I could under the circumstances, some of which were far from ideal! So, taking a deep breath, it is time to let that go and move on.
At a practical level, although the judgement was ultimately disappointing, various elements of Christopher's care have been simplified. Some of the most beneficial changes we've experienced are:
Probably the main one is the personal process I've experienced in the wake of the court case. Now that we're approaching the one year anniversary of the trial, it's interesting to look back and see what effect it has had...
At the most deeply personal level, it has been difficult to say the least. Experiencing cross-examination on the witness stand left my self-esteem shattered. Just reliving any part of that process caused me anxiety and stress. The thought of reading the transcripts left me shaking and teary. This played itself out in periodic bouts of self-loathing and attempts to 'rebuild' my self image in various ways.
I have only recently managed to face up to this and forgive myself. It came to me that if anyone else I knew was berating themselves to this degree, I would immediately give them my love and understanding. But because my cross-examination took place first, none of my usual circle of support people was present, and I therefore had no way to do a reality check.
Essentially, I've had to step back and say that I did the very best I could under the circumstances, some of which were far from ideal! So, taking a deep breath, it is time to let that go and move on.
At a practical level, although the judgement was ultimately disappointing, various elements of Christopher's care have been simplified. Some of the most beneficial changes we've experienced are:
- airconditioner in Christopher's room - means he no longer calls us every night to tuck him back in - means we are getting much better sleep at night
- electric hospital bed for Christopher - means we no longer have to bend over - saves our backs! Also means Christopher can sit up in bed and watch DVDs on his computer screen
- hiring of two wonderful ladies who do Christopher's home schooling 12 hours per week (three cheers for Rebecca and Jody)
- ability to pay carers to be with Christopher and Catherine while Garry and I take some time out (thanks Oma and Opa!)
- purchase of car that will be purpose-modified for wheelchair - means no more heavy lifting of ramp - also means Christopher can sit in the middle of the car with the family, instead of in the luggage area
- purchase of house that already has separate carers' quarters and lots of space for wheelchair access (more about this later)
These are just some benefits that spring to mind as I write - no doubt a comprehensive list would be much longer.
One final note; just last week, for the first time in many years, I was suddenly struck by a moment of intense joy. I'd forgotten how breath-taking that can be. How long has it been for you?
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