Information Goddess

Partners

2009-11-19T17:29:00.000-08:00

Hello there partners, welcome to my blog. A great deal of time has passed since I used this blog, and for the purposes of continuing on my personal passion to equip others with the confidence to use such social networking tools I'm deciding to continue.

As I mentioned, we incorporated the activity of creating your own blog, into a Web 2.0 staff training module, in house, lots of fun and has had some serious results. Many have graduated onto other online social networking forums and are now much more confident to direct others in the use of such. This helps greatly to build confidence with their use of databases and the like. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Also, we are in the process of stage 2, familiarising all staff with our databases a bit more. They are quickly embracing the program as their confidence is much greater than it was at the beginning of the first module.

Flip Flop Butterfish

2009-06-02T06:09:00.000-07:00

2009-05-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't understand the italian version. Kids sending out a message to the pink hair lady...

Jibber Jabber Gabba Gabba...can you get it right, gees louise lol

2009-05-06T04:26:00.000-07:00

Allora, parlo in italiano perche mi sento che voglio essere sconosciuta. Ho passato dei giornati proprio piene di stresso, e sicuramente sto in bisogno di una vacanza. La mia amica e' venuta qui per il weeken e ci siamo divertiti veramente. Addeso dobbiamo organizzare una vacanza alla spiaggia che si chiama Smiths Beach, e proprio vicino Philip Island.

Non puo venire abastanza presto per me, e i miei figli. Certe volte la vita e troppo piena di cose che non significano tanto, pero si deve fare perche sono cose di lavoro, or chi sa che. Si deve divertirsi ogni tanto no? Si, secondo me, arriva le vacanze, perche ho troppo bisogno di riposarmi.

2009-05-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

What a lovely day here in the hills...yes it seems that's why my head is always in the clouds, because I live in the hills LOL. I love it, its very funny and sometimes very true LOL. Over this side of town the hills are in fact majestic and the views intoxicating, I'm very lucky to see their magic every day.

Just recently I took my matey Katie up to the top of the Mountain to see what we could see...well that ended up being a big fat nothing, we only just saw our hands and feet through the thick fog. Where was I taking the lovely Katie through the very Twin Peaks kind of day, I'm sure she was wondering. Well the brunch in the morning delightfully rolled into afternoon and we lost track of time. Blame it on the lady with the pink hair I say hehe, that's what the munchkins do anyway LOL.

Easter Weekend

2009-04-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

Well a great weekend has been had. Peter and I started on our huge gardening project. We were going to get a landscape gardener in but, apart from being too expensive, have decided to give it a go ourselves. We found an amazing nursery in macedon, with an arangement of the most suitable plants and did a bit of research. Peter bought an amazing pot for my lady water feature and made 3 trips to the nursery for some soil. Don't know if we'll get much done tomorrow but I'm happy with the result so far,

Peter suggested I have the housewarming soon before the weather gets too cold so watch this space for the update on date and detail, prob in about 6 weeks.

Scooby dooby doo

2009-04-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

Scooby dooby doo...where are you???

Well I had a wonderful day out on Saturday, another one of our adventures. We headed into town on the bus, and then took the tram to the Princess theatre and although early we were just in time to get into the long queue to purchase our very own Scooby. Jo was just in time, and we all bought t-shirts, Adam and Chloe put there's on immediately. The show was awesome and then we headed to Koko Black for a delicious treat...what fun. Another tram, and a train ride home, the kids had an amazing time, they can't wait to see their new friend Jo once more.

life is unfair

2009-03-24T04:43:00.000-07:00

Well, life has been particularly unfair recently. My best friend has had terrible news after finding a lump on her breast last week. Having had a lump removed several years ago, she thought it was just scar tissue so went to get it checked out. She was not worried so didn't tell anyone about it at this point. The doctor wasn't too happy with how it looked, and tested it further. Some cancer cells came up in a test, and on Monday it was confirmed she had breast cancer, and plans were made for operation radiation etc. Further tests it had spread. Tomorrow night we find out how far. You might say I'm not coping at this point because I don't want to lose another dear friend to this horrible disease. Her two children aged 3 and 1 need their mummy, I need her too...please say a prayer for my friend or whatever positive thoughts please send her way.

Me

Jenelle's Beautiful Day

2009-03-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

2009-03-12T20:48:00.001-07:00

My favourite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey were mainly in learning all about my collegues, a wonderful communication tool.

This program assisted and affected my lifelong learning goals as it has inspired me to educate myself more with online tools and technologies. Since the beginning of this program I have been more confident to do so, have become quite proficient at online banking, itunes, and iphone application installations. I have actually become a bit of an addict. Oh my god, the iphone is a great invention.

The unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised me included the fact that the blog will be my communication tool with the world. I’m excited to get it out there to relos and friends now as it has a lot of creative flexibility which I love. I have also developed other blogs for various work and professional purposes and has had the confidence and experience to do so.

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? Nothing, I think it was orchestrated and delivered brilliantly.
I would definitley participate when we offer another discovery program like this in the future.

Thanks KD

missgypsyblue

2009-03-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

missgypsyblue...that's me on Twitter.com. If anyone's on twitter let me know, you can search by the usual full name or email.

I got a bit excited with this one, I like to hear what my friends are up to and like to think they want to know the same about me.

This brings me to the end of my activities for the webolution, I never thought this day would come. I can't say I completed my activites in order, but hey I got it done so that's the main thing.

Another item of technology has consumed me lately...but that's in my next post.

2009-03-06T21:04:00.000-08:00

www.macedonspa.com.au
Macedon Day Spa is the place where I'll be spending a bit of time next week. Just because I can, and have wanted to since we moved here, I'm indulging with a Blueberry Soy wrap and a delux pedicure...yummy, can't wait.

Great place to stay if you're looking for a weekend escape.

My baby starts school

2009-02-18T03:38:00.000-08:00

Yes she's started school, and everything has been going well. It was lonely at first, cos she's such a chatterbox, getting used to the peace took some adjusting, now I'm loving it. In fact, I could do with a couple more days to myself. Found a gorgeous cafe that makes the best affogato, and visit daily after I drop the kids off to school. Both Chloe and Adam have adjusted well and love it here. I was never worried about Chloe, more Adam who had to start all over again, but he's a champion, has endured moving house, starting a new school, a major tooth extraction and more recently a badly sprained ankle all within the last 6 weeks. He's a trooper though and powers on.

Funny days

2009-02-18T03:21:00.000-08:00

Funny days, they are more frequent these days than they used to be. Moving here was the best things we've done, the kids are happy and enjoy living life just that little bit closer to nature. Big bulldozers have arrived two blocks away, construction which will most definitely block our beautiful views of the ranges. So, we're planning our next move, yes I know we may be crazy. We've become so addicted to the view, it really can transport you. We won't be moving suburbs cos we fit here, just move up the hill where we can still see the ranges and they will never be obstructed.

2009-01-02T02:42:00.000-08:00

Chloe at her Kinder graduation.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

to all our friends.

Here's hoping 2009 bring you

good health & happiness

2008-12-29T05:17:00.000-08:00

Forse uno or due dei miei amici a lavoro lo sanno che parlo italiano, e sono meta` italiana. Ho passato un' anno in italia quando mi avevo 22 anni. Mi sono innamorata d'un ragazzo molto bello e mi sono decisa di rimanere in italia per sempre. Meno male ho visto che non era di questo ragazzo che mi sono innamorata verament, invece d'italia stesso, e tutte cose italiane. La mangiare, la musica, la gente, la lingua e pure la vita. In particolare La bella Sicilia, di dove vengono i miei piu vicini. La gente in italia vivono piu` per vivere, e meno per il lavoro. Stasera, ho preparato il bagno, con delle candele perche volevo rilassare. E`. siccome stiamo al mezzo di cambiare case, ho trovato delle cd's in uno scatola, c `era uno d'Eros Ramazzotti. Mentre che l'ascoltavo, mi faceva ricordari del quel tempo quando mi sono innamorata della bellissima italia. In particolare la canzona Piu Bella Cosa che canto spesso alla mia figlia Chloe.

2008-12-29T04:12:00.000-08:00

Moving house has been exhausting, so I've given myself a bit of chill out time. My favourite pass time when I'm not falling asleep on the couch is movies. According to Adam, the local Video Shop is " the best video shop ever". His opinion influenced by the Anime collection of DVDs which is pretty much all he will watch. They do have great deals, so I've caught up on my movie watching with the following titles:

Savages is a Brilliant film. Close to home for me, topic is dementia and placing your loved ones in nursing homes when you can no longer care for them. It made me laugh and cry.

Proof, interesting, but to tell you the truth I fell asleep. This doesn't mean the movie wasn't great, I am exhausted.

Brilliant, not normally my kinda movie, I picked this one more for Peter. It became obvious though that I was enjoying in more than he was. Not for the faint hearted, quite violent, I always turn my head at those bits and Peter tells me when it's over, I'm a real weakling and there are lots of those bits in it. Storyline good, Angelina red hot.

This is one of the best movies I've seen in ages. The Black Balloon, I'd heard mixed reviews so had to see for myself. It touched my heart, made me laugh and cry, a mixture of emotions I love in a movie. A must see.

Fell asleep, again don't go by my reaction, I'm exhausted. Truthfully, I only picked this movie cos I think the actor playing the lead is yummy. Who knows what his name is...I think its Jason Statham

2008-12-29T03:43:00.000-08:00

And don't forget to book in! Booking sheet at Altona Desk.

2008-12-23T03:05:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Tree at our new home!

We've Moved!

Yes we have finally moved...and it's great. Apart from the initial stress of organising removalist etc things have settled down and we are now enjoying the beauty of the Macedon Ranges have from our back door step.

Kids are loving it too. The chaos of xmas and moving was a little too much and we are all appreciative of some "doing not very much at all" time. Diesel thinks its just wonderful, he has his own dog run, new kennel and sleeps by his mums bedside, couldn't be happier.

So much work to be done on the outside. Concrete is going in over the next couple of weeks so hopefully visitors won't have to trapse through the mud. All will get done in time.

2008-12-22T23:18:00.000-08:00

Chocolate, coffee and melbourne's arcades. What better way is there to spend a beautifully sunny Saturday amongst friends than on a Chocolate tour. Visiting Haighs & Koko Black, being in the company of Melbourne's most finest Chocolatiers was amazing for a Chocoholic like myself. Whilst watching the Chocolatier work her magic with lashings of chocolate, I thought to myself, I think I've missed my calling. I'd highly recommend the Chocoholic Indulgence Tour, see http://www.chocoholictours.com.au for more information and tour details. Apart from learning about all things chocolate, it was a lesson in the history surrounding some of Melbournes landmarks that we tend not to take the time to discover when living our busy lifestyles. To end the day a delicious afternoon tea was to be enjoyed, but most off us were all chocolated out, never believed that could be possible.

What I'm Reading

2008-12-14T22:14:00.000-08:00

I don't get much time to read, and what I read is always non-fic, biographies, or as Rosemary would say, Narrative Non Fiction. Lately, as I'm coming up to a block of holidays, I've made it my mission to attack a list of books I've wanted to read but haven't gotten around to.

The first is The Lucy Family Alphabet. I took a day off from the world on Saturday and got stuck into it. Having been touched by adoption, the theme makes it a particularly interesting read for me. Of course I'm only a quarter through the book, so will keep you posted.

Words Words Words

2008-11-28T02:32:00.000-08:00

Well what a lovely way spend an evening, wine, cheese, good company and talking about books. 9 borrowers and10 staff turned up to the event this evening.

A big thankyou to all the staff that got involved in tonights event. It was awesome to see them there. Jo chose some very nice wine and 4 bottles were drunk, And yes it was extremely obvious that I ws nervous with my little speechy thing. But I was comforted when I heard an applause and positive comments made by those listening. I've since volunteered myself to do some talks for Rosemary cos Katie D says practice is the answer to getting over the nerves. Oh no, what have I gotten myself into?

It was amazing to see how people get so excited to talk about a book that has had a real impact on them, and how that then rolls on to the next person who has also had a similar experience.

So many thankyous, with all asking when the next book chat will be. I think this certainly indicates that it was a great success!

Vonnie, you're an angel, thanks so much for your help.

Heart of glass

2008-11-23T04:54:00.000-08:00

Pink is a favourite of mine and my kids. A lot of rocking is had in the faulkner household to the tunes of pink, usually in our jamies. I was lucky enough to score a ticket to the Pink concert next year, Chloe not very happy to not be going.

Music clips seem to be taking over my blog, and I suppose its because it is an important part of our lives. I play a little piano and Peter the guitar. Chloe's starting the cello and Adam's not too sure yet, at the moment it might be the trumpet.

Heart of glass (see video clip above), Debbie Harry, really takes me back. I used to watch my aunty who had the same hair cut and to me was as cool as the real Debbie Harry.

Years later, the Debbie Harry impersonation goes down well with the kids and their Singstar. Mum rocks it to ROCKSTAR on every performance, Chloe thinks its awesome, Adam just wants to beat my score…don’t ask me to ever sing it though. It takes numerous shots of the old tequilas, or vanilla vodka to bring out ol’ Debbie.

Kids are awesome for bringing out the kid in every one of us.

2008-11-23T03:54:00.000-08:00

I only just figured out how to have all my posts displayed on the front page of my blog. It was set up so that only 7 displayed here and you had to click on Older Posts to view te rest. So, if you've visited my blog over the last couple of days, scroll down, you may have missed my first posts. I'm really excited to be blogging again, what seemed quite frustrating due to my first experience is now becoming an exciting adventure once again...go webolution!

When are we moving in?

2008-11-23T03:31:00.001-08:00

When are we moving in? That's the million dollar question, we don't know for sure but we're hoping it's in the next two weeks. It's been over a year now and we're feeling a little frustrated now.

A year ago, from seeing only grass for a couple of months, there was then a slab. Soon what looked like a frame was started.

The house started to come together, especially when the bricks went up. Everything started to move quite quickly.

Last week the builder called me and told me there was a problem with the kitchen splashback we'd chosen, it seems we'll have to move in without it and it will arrive in January, oh well, who cares, at least we'll be in.

Arancini

2008-11-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

My husband Peter stepped off the plane on Friday. His birthday is tomorrow and he had already placed his order in with my mum for his dinner on the special day, spoilt I know. On the top of his list were the sicilian Arancini, next polpetti (meatballs) and lastly braccioli, who knows what they are called in English. As I missed out on the whole webolutionary recipe thing, I thought I'd just add mine anyways. Here goes:

ARANCINI AL RISO
For the risotto:
1 onion,
finely minced
20gr butter
2 cups risotto rice
4 cups chicken broth
150gr grated Pecorino cheese

For the ragù:
50gr pancetta
1 onion
1 carot
1 celery stick
1 clove garlic, minced
200gr beef chuck
1 cup tomato purée
1 cup red wine
2 twigs thyme
1 bay leafsalt,
pepper
1 cup cooked green peas

When making the arancini:
1 cup flour
1 cup breadcrumbs
3 eggs, beaten
200gr cheese,
soft pecorino or other meltable cheese

The day before, make the risotto by frying the minced onion gently in a saucepan, then adding the uncooked rice and leaving it for two more minutes, then adding the broth and leaving it unocvered until cooked. Do not add saffron. When cold add the grated pecorino, cover and store in the frige until the next day. While you make the risotto, prepare the ragù. Fry pancetta, minced onion and garlic until soft. Gradually add finely minced chuck meat so that it will brown without releasing too much liquid at once. When all meat has been browned in this way, add minced carrot and celery stick and fry for 5 more minutes. Pour the red wine and let cook for 2 minute until alcool has evaporated. Add tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, salt and pepper. Cover and leave to cook on lowest flame for 1 hours or until meat is soft. Store in the fridge until next day.

The next day, heat 2 liters (2 quarts) oil to 180°C in a pan and prepare 7 bowls:
Bowl 1: Cold risottoBowl 2: RagùBowl 3: Diced cheeseBowl 4: FlourBowl 5: Beaten eggsBowl 6: BreadcrumbsBowl 7: Water

To make an arancino, take two tablespoons of risotto in one hand, make a hole with a finger and stuff it with ragù and 1-2 cheese cubes. Close the hole with the risotto until you have a small ball with no ragù in sight. Some people make little volcanoes as you see in the picture above. Roll the arancino in the flour, shake it to remove excess flour, then quickly dip into the beaten eggs and check it is thoroughly covered on all its surface. If not, dip again in the eggs until it is. Then just roll in breadcrumbs to make a nice crust and deep fry until nicely brown.
Making arancini is not difficult and does not require special skill. Your first arancini will be very 'ricy'. The name of the game is to get as much filling in as little risotto possible. If you keep trying, each arancino will be better than the last one. Good luck!

2008-11-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

This is a new blog...I gave up on my last one, but have become inspired to continue thanks to the wonderful Katie D. As these posts are relatively new, please start from the bottom, working your way up to this point as that was the order in which they were posted. Welcom to my Blog, this cuppu is on me...Leaf

2008-11-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

Well it’s been almost three years that I was unable to pick up a book that wasn’t a text book, until I found out that Kate Holden was coming to Hobsons Bay, and to Altona Library. It was the summer break from uni and I thought, bugger it, I’m going to make sure I read it as I didn’t want to know absolutely nothing about the book particularly since I would be having the opportunity to meet the author.

I was captured by only the first few pages, and in only a couple of days I had finished it. Listening to peoples reviews around the place, there didn’t seem to be too much praise for it. This surprised me. Maybe it was the nature of the topics of prostitution and addiction that didn’t appeal. I felt as thought it was more about the journey, the choices and the survival described. The message that life is full of choices, you can choose to go down one way or the other. There’s so much more I could say about the book, but I’ll save it hopefully for a book club opportunity.

Kate Holden did come to the bay, but I wasn’t as fulfilled with her visit as I’d hoped to be. For those who hadn’t read the book, it was great, an extensive and thorough run down on the happenings in the books and the whys and wheres etc, but as someone who had read the book I was really looking for something more in depth.

Carry you home

2008-11-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

My grand mother passed away this year, and I was with her at that moment. Two days after she passed, I had tickets to the James Blunt concert bought months prior. I was in two minds to go, Peter was in Germany and he was supposed to go with me. Almost decided to not go and my wonderful cousin Andrew told me he was going to look after my kids, and told me I should go, that it would do me good.

My girlfriend, who had been supporting me through the last couple of days, came with me. I was loving every moment, and then this song came on, Carry you home (see video clip on side bar). I knew the song was about a soldier dying at war, but hearing it that moment - it was like he was singing about my grand mother. I tried hard not to cry, but I started, then my girlfriend started and we laughed at ourselves, cried some more, it was great therapy.

Pony

2008-11-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

For my baby girl Chloe, who in this photo was caught laughing histerically about who knows what, I've put Kasey Chambers Pony clip for viewing. Certain songs mean things for all of us, and this was one I used to rock her to sleep to. Still, she finds it soothing and I think it'll always be special to us.

Last year I saw Kasey Chambers perform live at the Arts Centre and it was probably one of the best performances I've ever seen, I think she's extremely talented and her lyrics touch the soul.

2008-11-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

The Dixie Chicks, it may not be the coolest to admit I love these women. The documentary available at the library really moved me. In particular , I love this song along with Landslide which just touched me in my preggo mama days. Everytime I hear it it makes me feel empowered. Think the kids love it when I play it in the car and sing it out at the top of my lungs. Kick ass women, I love it. No barbie girls in this part of the world.

2008-11-22T05:26:00.000-08:00

Most of you know my 2 children Adam & Chloe but you might not have crossed paths with my 3rd. That's my beloved doggie Diesel. During discussions in the staff tearoom yesterday, at the suggestion that he be an outside dog I just could not agree. Diesel provides a lot of joy in our household, from trying aimlessly to have first dibs at the cookie jar, to bowling Chloe over in excitement in his attept to give her a big raspberry on the cheek. Although Chloe seems to be his toy, he much respects Adam and follows him around like a bad smell. Peter says that you can tell who's dog he is though, yes that'd be mine. Diesel feels the need to constantly be at my side and always in close contact, be it a paw on my foot, to thinking he's 4 months old and sitting on my lap on the couch. Given his current size, it's not really that comfortable. On the arrival of our leather lounge suite Peter soon stamped out the couch sitting much to Diesel's dissapointment. He's a Brittany, fairly rare breed. I did a lot of research so as to not get a dog whose temperament didn't suit our family. I must say, that breed can make a huge difference to suitablility, but it also comes down to personality. Diesel is the most affectionate dog, but unless you're willing to give the breed the attention they need there's no point getting one. Peter says Diesel's my dog, but he's got a soft spot for him, so much so that he wants another just the same.

For anyone who's considering a pet, I'd definitely recommend having one, particulalry if you have children. They enrich our lives like nothing else and teach children so many important lessons. Make sure your choice is one made with lots of research and reflection upon which type of pet suits you and your lifestyle.

2008-11-22T04:52:00.000-08:00

I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do with webolution. I've tried to catch up on what everyone's been up to, but have decided that just seems too hard, and I'll just try starting with an update of what I've been doing. As many of you know, my husband Peter does a lot of travel. When he's not travelling we try to do spend some quality time together. Our most recent venture was to Philip Island. We started there and then ended up at the beautiful Metung. There we stayed for 2 beautiful night doing day trips from there.

We visited Buchan Caves which the kids loved, and even took them to the Nowa Nowa Nudes for a cultural experience. My son was particularly unimpressed as Peter and I roamed leisurely through the gallery in an attempt to make our votes count for the peoples choice award. This event, in the middle of Gippsland certainly drew a crowd.

Such a beautiful weekend.

2008-11-22T04:19:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I'm back, back to the world of blogging. For quite a while there I lost interest, mainly because I started with wordpress.com and it didn't go as well as I expected. The backgrounds were very appealing, but what could be added was a bit limiting. Anyway, enough of that.

Today cafe press arrived to Alli's door and I'm so excitied. I got my t-shirt which I may wear to the Words event this Friday. Thanks Kay H for promoting the event on your blog, very fishy of you. A big thankyou to the 16 or so staff members who have participated. So many books from the display have been borrowed at Altona Library which is wonderful. I don't know about you but I know I'm a big one for going by what ppl recommend, particularly if I share interests with them. Recently, at a video shop I regularly go to, staff have started a "staff recommended" routine, and I admittedly make my choices according to them, it gives me the confidence to try something new from what I liked recommended by a certain staff member.