I've been offline for a while!

But gosh...I didn't realise it was nearly a month.

Sometime in October, we started having issues with our Internet Service Provider.  Page uploads were getting slower and slower, and file downloading was becoming impossible....even though we were on an unlimited plan and had done all the usual things like clearing our cache and history etc!  We'd been with the same company for over 11 years, and had been very happy with them, but decided it was time for a change!

So we bit the bullet, and have moved to Optus!  It's taken a while to get everything switched over, but so far, so good!  Everything is working great.  The speed is fantastic, and their customer service has been second to none!  So if you are looking for a recommendation, you've got it!

I'll be back to my Thirty Days of me soon.  And I hope to have a mini kit for you to download very soon too!  Stay posted.

LSNED: September 05

Day 5 of LSNED, and still going strong.  Mind you, I still have to do my album.  But I'm still thinking about that...LOL!

Today I learnt, that I am really liking the new Blogger interface!  I changed over at the beginning of LSNED, as I was having huge problems with the old version.  So far, this new interface is very intuitive, and doesn't seem to have as many bugs as the old version.  Let's hope it continues!

Link With Love

While reading The Daily Digi today, the post had real impact on me. Here's what Link With Love is all about.

Make A Difference.

It is our goal to inspire positive change in the way art, photography, design, words, music, film and ideas are shared on the internet. We believe that intellectual property needs to be handled with love and respect. We believe in the goodness of people. We believe in the power of the internet. We believe that Maya Angelou was absolutely right when she said "when you know better you do better."

We need your help. We need your support. Learn more. Spread the word. Post our badge on your sites to show that you LINK with love.

There is more information here. We are just starting to build a site and add content. Visit linkwithlove.org to get a badge that you can post on your own blog or site that shows the internet YOU RESPECT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. That you LINK WITH LOVE.”

I've grabbed my badge. Have you?

Way too Cute!

I found this funky band called OK Go on You Tube a couple of years ago.

They have just released a new video, and it is so cute...I just had to share. They are also raising funds for animal rescue through the video release.



It just makes me smile!

A Day of Contrasts

Boy...what a day.

This morning both of the Superliners - the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth - arrived in Sydney Harbour. It looked quite a sight.


Then at around 10.50am Sydney time, an earthquake measuring 6.3 hit Christchurch in New Zealand. The devastion is incredible.


Talk about a contrast of the extremes!

Queensland Floods!

I have sat in front of the TV today, in absolute awe at the ferosity of the floods in Queensland. As of today, 9 people have lost their lives, and 59 people are still missing. My heart goes out to all the people who have lost family, friends, their homes and their livelihoods.

This video shows just a little of the devastation in Toowoomba.


My brother lives in Brisbane, right near the river, and is currently on evacuation watch. They are expecting the river to reach over 6 metres in the next 24hours, and over 9000 homes to be flood damaged. I hope he stays safe.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this incredible natural disaster.

My Name in Lights!

As part of the Sydney Festival this year, they have been asking for people to register to have their names put up in lights. It's a John Baldessari project, with 100,000 people involved. If you are selected, your name will be streamed across the wall of The Australian Museum for your 15 glittering seconds of glory.

My time is 9:40:20 PM on Monday 10JAN11. And my name will be followed by that of my husband and daughter.



If you're interested, there is still time to find out more about the project and sign up.

Wordle my Blog!

I found this site called Wordle today that creates a word puzzle from any words you input, or you can add a site url.

Here's the wordle of my blog! Interesting that the word year is so dominent. I wonder if that indicates it's going to be my YEAR! I hope so!

And for something completely different...

It's been 20 degrees today, and was even cold enough for me to put a cardigan around my shoulders. What's with this weather. No wonder there is so much sickness around. Too hot one day, too cold the next....hmmmmm!

We headed out for lunch today at Macarthur. Aidan got a JB HiFi gift card for Christmas, and wanted to see if he could spend some of it. I took the chance to head off to Mum & Dad's for a visit. Nice to catch up with them.

Well today is officially the last holiday day of the Christmas period for us. Some offices will be re-opening tomorrow, and that means more traffic on the road. I've enjoyed the summer road hiatus. It has only taken a 20 minute journey to work instead of the usual 1 hour 10 minutes. And the office has been so quiet, I've managed to get more work done than I expected.

We still have another 4 weeks of school holidays though. So things won't actually get back to normal for me for a while. Emma is off to a 3 day Tennis Camp with her girlfriend on Wednesday. She's really looking forward to it.

I am already behind in my scrapping commitments, so I best go do something!

It's a New Year!

Hello, welcome 2011~! I have a great feeling that 2011 is going to be a good one. It surely can't be any worse than 2010. We had a struggling year through 2010...in many ways. But I have positive feelings about this year. It's going to be a good one. Let's hope so anyway.

And with the New Year comes a new look blog. Much simpler and cleaner. It's still a work in progress, but it's getting there.

I've decided to try a Project 52 project this year. My Project 365 last year was a complete disaster. I didn't even get past January...LOL! I think the thought of having to keep up to date with a daily picture just got away from me. A weekly project is much more manageable.

I've signed up for 52 Inspirations at OScraps, and I'm also following the Project Love, Me at Scrap Orchard. Both are different, and I'm hoping to find the combination of the two works for me.

I've learnt long ago that setting a NY resolution is not for me, as I never manage to stick with them. So as the new year begins, I thought I'd document some of my goals and aspirations for the year ahead.

• Complete my 52 week projects to the end of the year
  
• Make a concerted effort to blog more. I can't say it will be everyday, but at least weekly
  
• Learn to use Photoshop Cs5 and Illustrator (which I've had on my laptop for nearly a year now)
  
• Dabble in Digital Designing. I don't plan on selling, but would like to offer some freebies on my blog
• Buy less scrapping supplies, and use more of what I've got
• Make a healthier me - make better food choices and get up and move more
• De-clutter at home. I often feel like the 'stuff' is taking over our lives. I live with two hoarders! I used to be one myself...but three in the family is at least two too many...LOL!
• Write more!
• Not be so concerned with what others think! I often feel like I am trying to please others above myself
• Spend less time on the computer, and more quality time with the family
  
• Visit more of our beautiful city. I think they call it a stay-cation!
  

I've been reading Ali Edward's blog, and she has a wonderful post about focussing on a word to live this year by.



My significant word for 2011 is SIMPLIFY!
It's all encompassing....from the things I do, to the way I live, to how I think and feel! I can't wait to see how this word has an impact on my life this year.

I'll leave you with a photo of the fireworks on our gorgeous Sydney Harbour on New Years' Eve.

Here's to a Happy New Year.

the scrapping comp to end all scrapping comps...

Scrap Orchard is having an amazing competition, where you can win some incredible prizes! Just look at these!



This is a contest you don't want to miss out on. Prizes include an iPAD, iPOD Touch, Scrap Orchard Gift Certificates, and so much more!

And it's super easy to participate! Just collect points by completing the challenges. The more points you collect, the more chances you have of winning. There's no eliminations. There's no judging! Just a prize drawing! The game is already ON! ....so hop over to the Iron Scrapper forum for all the details! You know you want to!

So come and join in with me in the forum. Tell them Di (scrappy*di) sent you.

Till next time,
Di xx

and we're off on another blog train ...

I can't believe a whole month has passed since I've blogged. But here we are at the 15th again, and it's time for another DSC blog train.

This month's collab is beautiful, and I'm sure you will love all the brag book pages the girls have created for you. This month's theme is Early Spring. It's my favourite time of the year.



Here's my contribution:

The preview is linked, but you can also download here.

Your should have arrived from Debbie's blog.

Your next stop is Pom's blog.

And if you happen to fall off the train along the way, you can always pop back to the DSC forum and start your journey all over again!

Oh! And don't forget that the train is making its way right across the world, across many time zones, so if you get to a stop and your goodies aren't there, make sure you check again later!

And lastly, don't forget to leave some love if you like what you see!

Till next time,
Di xx

digital scrap cafe turns 1 ...

I can't believe that DSC is turning 1. I've been CTing with the store since its infancy, and it is amazing how it has grown in that time. They have some amazing designers, and I am always challenged with my creations. Anyhow, they're having some awesome sales, challenges and fun in the store and forum. You must make sure you visit.

Firstly, there is a huge sale from Feb 3-9. 50% off storewide.

Next up there is an awesome raffle. You could win a Wacom Touch Tablet.

Here's some details of how you can win.

There is also some fun happening in the forum, and a daily freebie on the blog.

You need to go here to find out more! Make sure you tell your friends.

Till next time,
Di xx

happy australia day ...

It's Australia Day - the celebration of the day that Captain Arthur Phillip first landed at Sydney Cove back in 1788. We are heading out for a lovely pub lunch at one of my favourite pubs - The Camden Valley Inn. Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a great day.

If you're looking for some Australia Day scrapping inspiration, then head over to Pickleberry Pop. They're having some scrapping challenges, and a cow pat lotto....very original, and lots of fun....gotta love that!

Till next time,
Di xx

goodbye 2009 ...

It's been a busy couple of weeks. We had planned a holiday to the UK to spend Christmas with Aidan's family. We haven't been back in over 4 years. But the plans all fell apart with the threatened BA cabin crew strike. We had to make a call at the last minute to postpone our trip until 2010. But as nothing was planned for Christmas here, we made the decision to travel to Hong Kong for Christmas. We had a blast, although it wasn't the peaceful Christmas we had planned. Some photos will follow.

Today we are off to my parents place by the beach on the South Coast of NSW. The relaxing break will do us all the world of good. The chance to unwind, and spend some more family time together is always good.

I've decided to do the Project 365 in 2010. It's all about taking a photo-a-day, to capture the 'details' of your life...rather than just the BIG moments. So I'm getting myself prepared. Wish me luck on the journey. I have a separate blog where I am going to document the year ahead.

So as I reflect back on 2009, we have had a fantastic year. Em has had a great year at school, culminating with being awarded the principal's Award for Continuous Outstanding Achievement on the last day of school. One child is chosen from each year, and our girl was the winner for Year 3. We were so proud of her. Aidan follwed his thespian dreams, and had 2 parts in the play Arsenic and Old Lace, performing for 3 months at the Cronulla Arts Theatre. And I have had my dream of being published come to life, with 2 layouts published in Scrapbooking Memories this year, with more to come in 2010. And above all, we are all healthy and happy! What more can you ask for!

To all our family and friends, we wish you joy and happiness throughout 2010. Here's to a wonderful year ahead.

Till next time,
Di xx

we're covered in dust ...

I don't think I'll ever forget today. Sydney has been covered in a fine red dust...and the feeling has been really eery!

Aidan woke me at around 3am, wanting me to look at the sky. At that stage it was pink....and my first thought was that the world was coming to an end. It was surreal. By the time we woke in the morning...everything was blood red! I've never seen anything like it.

Here's some pics.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Circular Quay looking across to the Opera House

(before and after)

The Sydney Skyline

Wattle Grove
(our local area)

and this shot I took while waiting for the train this morning.

So now the clean up starts. A fine red dust has settled through the house. It's going to take ages to get rid of. Hope we never experience anything like it again.

Till next time,
Di xx

excuse the dust ...

I'm doing a bit of renovating of the blog....so excuse the mess while I get everything in order.

Di xx

poor neglected blog ...

Hmmmm. It's been a while. Nearly 2 months...but who's counting. Funny how life just gets in the way sometimes. Lots has been happening, so I'll do a quick catchup.

• Aidan has been exploring his creative side, by starring in a play called Arsenic and Old Lace at the Cronulla Arts Theatre. You may have seen the old movie starring Cary Grant. He plays 2 small parts...but has been thoroughly enjoying the experience. I haven't been to see it yet, but have tickets for 22August. The season finishes mid Sept, so it will be nice to have him home at nights again.


• Em has been busy with her dancing and gymnastics. She scored an 8th place (out of about 30 girls) in a choreography competition where she had to make up her own dance. She loved the fact that she could make up her own dance. She's performed in the Regional Dance Festival with school. She came 3rd place overall in her recent gym comp, coming 1st in her floor routine. She's recently completed her level 3 tap exams (still waiting for the results). And has just gone back to school after a 2 week break. She found a love for ice skating while on hols, so we're just trying to work out if we can fit classes into our weekly schedule. Maybe next term.


• I've been busy with life and work. With the downturn in the economy, we've had to put lots of specials into the market, and air ticket prices have been up to 50% off what they were last year. Sometimes a 5-day fortnight is just not enough time to get all the work done....but I really don't want to do anymore than that. I've had my first ever bout of diverticulitis...which is the most painful thing I've ever experienced. I thought I was going through childbirth. Never want to go there again. So I've been increasing the fibre in my diet. I've been scrapping up a storm. I've been competing in the Battle of the Creative Teams over at Digi Scrap Addicts. I'm one of Lyndsay Riches 'Ladiez', and we've had a ton of fun using Lynz's products in each of the challenges. We're at the last round stage, and don't think we'll win...but it's sure been great to create within the comp criteria over the last 4 weeks.


• Mum turned 70 on Thursday, so I had the family to stay most of last week. My brother came down from QLD, and mum & dad came up from the coast. It was great to have the family together for nearly a whole week. She didn't want a lot of fuss, so we celebrated her day with dinner with some of her Sydney friends on Thursday night. We'd bought her tickets to see Chicago on Saturday, so dad organised for them to spend the night at Star City. I think they had a blast.

And our big news is that we bought a new car. We'd decided that this was the year, and had only started looking around, but we ended up getting the deal of the century...so couldn't resist. Here she is. A Mitsubishi Lancer.

Em has called her LuLu....and I think that suits.

So that just about brings you up to date. I'm back on track now...so should be updating more regularly.

Till next time,
Di xx

how amazing is this? ...

I found this on youtube today while I was surfing.

It's done completely with post-it notes and apparently a single click camera.




I'm amazed!

Till next time,
Di x

what does your birthdate mean? ...

You Are a Visionary

You tend to be a the rock in relationships - people depend on you. Thoughtful and caring, you often put others needs first. You aren't content to help those you know... you want to give to the world. An idealist, you strive for positive change and dream about how much better things could be. Your strength: Your intuition Your weakness: You put yourself last Your power color: Rose Your power symbol: Cloud Your power month: June

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?