Charlotte came off the immobilisers today, and is one step closer to coming home. She is now quite animated, as opposed to floppy. A bit dopey though due to the morphine. We've only had one day when she wasn't on some kind of sedation, it is a state I am looking forward to.
Thanks again to all for your support.
***
Nice to see Wolf coming back to fortune next week. It has been a little flat without him, and the series must be wrapping up soon.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Small Mercies
Listening to: Ladyhawke-Ladyhawke. And the southerly rain pounding the house. Glad I got the washing in.
The album version of Ladyhawke's 'Back of the Van' is the same mix as the radio single that has been out for a while thank god. Thank heaven for small mercies. I hate it when great singles get remixed or rerecorded for an album release, and changed from the version that you fell in love with to something that isn't quite the same, and not better.
Slim (link) is a great example of this. They released two cracking singles, 'Rise up' and 'Bullet in my hand' back in 1999, but when those two songs were redone for the debut album in 2000 the production sucked the life out of them and they were shadows of what they had been. The album was kinda disappointing compared to the singles.
I'm in a mood for small mercies at the moment.
Charlotte hasn't changed her posture, but no news is good news as far as she is concerned at the moment. Her condition is stable and her indications are good. Fi has written from her hospital bed a good story so far, which I posted on her behalf here. The hardest thing at the moment is not being able to pick her up and hold her. I can hold her hand (which by the way has less mass than any one of my fingers or thumbs) but that is about it.
We will be able to do more in a few days, but now it is waiting, waiting, waiting.
The album version of Ladyhawke's 'Back of the Van' is the same mix as the radio single that has been out for a while thank god. Thank heaven for small mercies. I hate it when great singles get remixed or rerecorded for an album release, and changed from the version that you fell in love with to something that isn't quite the same, and not better.
Slim (link) is a great example of this. They released two cracking singles, 'Rise up' and 'Bullet in my hand' back in 1999, but when those two songs were redone for the debut album in 2000 the production sucked the life out of them and they were shadows of what they had been. The album was kinda disappointing compared to the singles.
I'm in a mood for small mercies at the moment.
Charlotte hasn't changed her posture, but no news is good news as far as she is concerned at the moment. Her condition is stable and her indications are good. Fi has written from her hospital bed a good story so far, which I posted on her behalf here. The hardest thing at the moment is not being able to pick her up and hold her. I can hold her hand (which by the way has less mass than any one of my fingers or thumbs) but that is about it.
We will be able to do more in a few days, but now it is waiting, waiting, waiting.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Rumour Control
Just repeating a facebook note.....
Thanks heaps to everyone for passing on your thoughts and good wishes. We appreciate each and every one.
Just to stop the 'I heard this' and 'I heard that' loop from getting established (and increasingly inaccurate), I wanted to get an official version out of todays goings on in our little girls life.
After a good start it was noticed late last night that she was having trouble feeding, and this was quickly diagnosed as eosophagal atresia, a congenital malformation of the eosophagus. Basically she had a throat end and a stomach end, but they didn't meet in the middle. Naturally this would ultimately be fatal if not corrected, so she was transferred last night from Hutt to the Neo-natal unit at Wellington.
Today she had corrective surgery, which went very well, and the outlook and prognosis is very good, so nobody panic please. After seeing some of the other kids in her ward I am extremely grateful.
Its been a very long and stressful day, and we are all a little strung out, but we will get to bring her home eventually after she recovers, which is a better outcome than the alternative.
Other than that she is perfect, if a little impatient!
Tonight both mum and baby are doing a lot better than this time yesterday.
Introducing Charlotte Alexandra:
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Touchdown
This might be the only time I get today to record this, so before I go to bed......
The Eaglet has landed, baby arrived at about 0045 this morning, after a three hour labour. She doesn't quite have a name yet as she is a couple of weeks early, but mum and daughter are both doing well at 3+ hours, if somewhat knackered.
Vitals: Girl, brunette, 2.7kg (about 5.9 pounds).
Kind of appropriate that she arrived in the middle of a storm, given her dads love of interesting weather.
Stoked.
The Eaglet has landed, baby arrived at about 0045 this morning, after a three hour labour. She doesn't quite have a name yet as she is a couple of weeks early, but mum and daughter are both doing well at 3+ hours, if somewhat knackered.
Vitals: Girl, brunette, 2.7kg (about 5.9 pounds).
Kind of appropriate that she arrived in the middle of a storm, given her dads love of interesting weather.
Stoked.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Ease down
Or you'll blow the transaxle....
I tried to participate in the carfree day today (link), but was stymied by a flat tyre on my
bi-siccle, which I only discovered as I was wheeling it out to ride to work.
Had a very enjoyable night watching Sport and drinking beer with an old friend on Saturday. One of those nice occasions that remind you what friendship is all about.
Netball slowdown is occurring. Not playing at all tomorrow night. In addition to the material and time costs, I was also becoming concerned about incurring an injury through overstress. No symptoms as such, but merely hints and niggles suggesting woe ahead. These problems have a way of solving themselves. Plus now there is room and budget for a revival of the dynasty team.
I'm not as young as I used to be, and realise now that after so long in the game I now easily fall into the 'veteran' category.
My first game was early 1996, I played centre, got puffed out very quickly, put up two shots and missed. I don't remember when I started specialising as a shooter, although I played an entire season in D later that year.
As a veteran, I suppose now I can indulge in some frank self examination of my game:
Strengths
Shooting. Obviously. I have tried to do definitive counts to assess an accuracy percentage, but can never remember in the heat of the game. I think I would be somewhere in the 80% range within three feet of the hoop on a good day. Average from outside falls to 50% or so I would guess. After missing a game winner about five years ago I have since tried to focus on clutch shooting reasonably successfully.
Driving for space. The biggest lesson I learned from Superleague, always drive to the ball. I use this a lot outside the circle.
Speed. Coupled with driving, I can accelerate from a standing start fairly quickly. Apparently. This is something I used to be aware of, but thought I was slowing down as I got older. However if recent comments from new team mates are anything to go by, I am still as fast as ever in the half court, and able to cover a lot of ground quickly. Several players have commented on my speed and movement around the half court.
Catching. I think I have a safe pair of hands. I don't drop the ball too often, or replay it.
Footwork. I seldom get called for stepping.
Passing. When I play properly I can deliver reliable and catchable passes, expanding recently to include peripheral vision no look passes. I have consciously tried to improve my passing in recent times.
Net play. If it is catchable off the net I can catch it. Usually.
Clock watching. I usually know when time is about to be up.
Fearlessness. I take the hit if required, and will happily milk other players for contacts. I don't mind getting hit if they get called for it.
Weaknesses
Composure. I get frustrated with other players or umpires too easily. Never a good thing.
Full court speed. Beyond the half court I run out of pace and stamina.
Jumping. I don't jump high or often enough, meaning I lose ball I really should be taking. I remember jumping more when I was younger.
Rebounding. Just not very good at it. Never seem to be quite in the right position.
Defensive play. I don't read passes well enough for intercepts, and my lean isn't long enough. I don't defend the mid court very well, and have to rely on blocking in the circle. I wouldn't mind some proper defensive coaching.
Passing. I throw wild unreachable passes too often, or soft easy ones that get picked off, or silly no looks.
Slowness. I seldom take and pass the ball at a run in the mid court, meaning play often slows as a result. I can take too long to pass the ball, and put people out of position.
Waiting. I get reluctant to abandon a good position in the circle, and wait for the pass rather than going to it. I need to come out more often. Also tend to be caught standing still at times.
Still plenty to work on then.
I tried to participate in the carfree day today (link), but was stymied by a flat tyre on my
bi-siccle, which I only discovered as I was wheeling it out to ride to work.
Had a very enjoyable night watching Sport and drinking beer with an old friend on Saturday. One of those nice occasions that remind you what friendship is all about.
Netball slowdown is occurring. Not playing at all tomorrow night. In addition to the material and time costs, I was also becoming concerned about incurring an injury through overstress. No symptoms as such, but merely hints and niggles suggesting woe ahead. These problems have a way of solving themselves. Plus now there is room and budget for a revival of the dynasty team.
I'm not as young as I used to be, and realise now that after so long in the game I now easily fall into the 'veteran' category.
My first game was early 1996, I played centre, got puffed out very quickly, put up two shots and missed. I don't remember when I started specialising as a shooter, although I played an entire season in D later that year.
As a veteran, I suppose now I can indulge in some frank self examination of my game:
Strengths
Shooting. Obviously. I have tried to do definitive counts to assess an accuracy percentage, but can never remember in the heat of the game. I think I would be somewhere in the 80% range within three feet of the hoop on a good day. Average from outside falls to 50% or so I would guess. After missing a game winner about five years ago I have since tried to focus on clutch shooting reasonably successfully.
Driving for space. The biggest lesson I learned from Superleague, always drive to the ball. I use this a lot outside the circle.
Speed. Coupled with driving, I can accelerate from a standing start fairly quickly. Apparently. This is something I used to be aware of, but thought I was slowing down as I got older. However if recent comments from new team mates are anything to go by, I am still as fast as ever in the half court, and able to cover a lot of ground quickly. Several players have commented on my speed and movement around the half court.
Catching. I think I have a safe pair of hands. I don't drop the ball too often, or replay it.
Footwork. I seldom get called for stepping.
Passing. When I play properly I can deliver reliable and catchable passes, expanding recently to include peripheral vision no look passes. I have consciously tried to improve my passing in recent times.
Net play. If it is catchable off the net I can catch it. Usually.
Clock watching. I usually know when time is about to be up.
Fearlessness. I take the hit if required, and will happily milk other players for contacts. I don't mind getting hit if they get called for it.
Weaknesses
Composure. I get frustrated with other players or umpires too easily. Never a good thing.
Full court speed. Beyond the half court I run out of pace and stamina.
Jumping. I don't jump high or often enough, meaning I lose ball I really should be taking. I remember jumping more when I was younger.
Rebounding. Just not very good at it. Never seem to be quite in the right position.
Defensive play. I don't read passes well enough for intercepts, and my lean isn't long enough. I don't defend the mid court very well, and have to rely on blocking in the circle. I wouldn't mind some proper defensive coaching.
Passing. I throw wild unreachable passes too often, or soft easy ones that get picked off, or silly no looks.
Slowness. I seldom take and pass the ball at a run in the mid court, meaning play often slows as a result. I can take too long to pass the ball, and put people out of position.
Waiting. I get reluctant to abandon a good position in the circle, and wait for the pass rather than going to it. I need to come out more often. Also tend to be caught standing still at times.
Still plenty to work on then.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Responsible
Listening to: U2-Zooropa. They may have peaked artistically with Achtung Baby, but they were certainly near the plateau with this release. Under rated.
I have been too busy for almost everything this week. Playing for four indoor netball teams will do that to you.
That said, I have found the edge of this particular envelope after three weeks of trying it, and am withdrawing. I am cutting back to to only playing for two teams full time, and occasionally filling in for the others.
Costing too much money and time, and Fi will be able to play again soon, by which time our disposable income will be reduced somewhat.
You'd think with three weeks until touchdown I'd be blogging more about that. You'd think that, but meh. I am over waiting, probably not as much as Fi, but now I just want to get on with it. I'd like to think I am under no illusions about the weeks, months, and years to come, but really who am I kidding? Neither of us has done anything quite like this before. I'm looking forward to the good bits, and intimidated by the bad ones.
Hopefully more of the former than the latter.
And as for names... not even close to a decision yet. Healthy will be an acceptable starter.
In other news I briefly checked out Southern Cross Music quiz on the way to netball tonight, and it seems promising, if not necessarily ripe for the plunder. Worthy of further investigation certainly.
I have been too busy for almost everything this week. Playing for four indoor netball teams will do that to you.
That said, I have found the edge of this particular envelope after three weeks of trying it, and am withdrawing. I am cutting back to to only playing for two teams full time, and occasionally filling in for the others.
Costing too much money and time, and Fi will be able to play again soon, by which time our disposable income will be reduced somewhat.
You'd think with three weeks until touchdown I'd be blogging more about that. You'd think that, but meh. I am over waiting, probably not as much as Fi, but now I just want to get on with it. I'd like to think I am under no illusions about the weeks, months, and years to come, but really who am I kidding? Neither of us has done anything quite like this before. I'm looking forward to the good bits, and intimidated by the bad ones.
Hopefully more of the former than the latter.
And as for names... not even close to a decision yet. Healthy will be an acceptable starter.
In other news I briefly checked out Southern Cross Music quiz on the way to netball tonight, and it seems promising, if not necessarily ripe for the plunder. Worthy of further investigation certainly.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Recent imagery
Listening to: Pearl Jam-Live at the Benaroya disc 2. Quite liking the new Kings of Leon Single, but wondering what the fuss is all about with the new Metallica one. The video does it no favours either.
* This last included because I get really frustrated with people speeding up and down my hill, and am happy to see the fuzz staking out and taking names. They got four in 10 minutes while I was watching this morning.
* This last included because I get really frustrated with people speeding up and down my hill, and am happy to see the fuzz staking out and taking names. They got four in 10 minutes while I was watching this morning.Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Millionaire
Saw about 15 minutes of the debut of Millionaire tonight.
Knew all the answers.
Recognised a contestant from my audition.
In the continuing absence of any kind of contact from the production company, it seems I didn't make the cut.
Buggar.
Always next time I 'spose.
Knew all the answers.
Recognised a contestant from my audition.
In the continuing absence of any kind of contact from the production company, it seems I didn't make the cut.
Buggar.
Always next time I 'spose.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
First time
Listening to: Pearl Jam-Live in Verona. A few years ago Pearl Jam decided to get one up on the bootleggers and released heaps of concerts as no frills CDs. As well as meaning in all likelyhood you could pick up a recording of a concert you were at, you can also flick through them until you find a setlist you want. I bought this one because it features a cover of Split Enz' 'I Got You'. Not a great cover as Eddie can't remember all the words, but cool by the sheer fact of its existence.
Couple of firsts today:
First proper mountain biking since I bought my bike, and first foray into Makara Mountain Bike Park.
I managed to summit Makara Peak and not die in the process, which I'm quite pleased with for a first attempt.
I found the 'easy' graded entry track a lot harder than I anticipated, but I attribute this to the cold I had last week, and the fact that I am a newbie at this kind of riding. Once in the park proper I nearly took a short route back to the carpark as I had some doubts about, well everything (where I was, what I was doing, was I exceeding my ability etc).
But an easy looking road wended off into the distance......
It didn't stay easy, and I confess to stopping a few times, but eventually I reached the top, 412 metres above sea level:
Couple of firsts today:
First proper mountain biking since I bought my bike, and first foray into Makara Mountain Bike Park.
I managed to summit Makara Peak and not die in the process, which I'm quite pleased with for a first attempt.
I found the 'easy' graded entry track a lot harder than I anticipated, but I attribute this to the cold I had last week, and the fact that I am a newbie at this kind of riding. Once in the park proper I nearly took a short route back to the carpark as I had some doubts about, well everything (where I was, what I was doing, was I exceeding my ability etc).
But an easy looking road wended off into the distance......
It didn't stay easy, and I confess to stopping a few times, but eventually I reached the top, 412 metres above sea level:
I felt like grabbing my bike and triumphantly raising it above my head, victory styles, but settled for crashing on the grass for a few minutes instead.
Cellphone reception was unusually good for a hilly area. Can't imagine why.
The views were choice, made choicer by the effort expended to obtain them. Those are the Inland Kaikoura's, in the South Island by the way.
Looking north east across Karori to the harbour and Hutt Valley.
Was going down a lot easier? Yes it was, even though I made it more exciting by taking a wrong turning and ending up on a more technical track I didn't quite have the skills for.
'Twas fun.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Spooky
So tonight in TV3's neverending parade of Simpsons re-runs, they played the one where they go to New York to get Homer's car ('The city of New York vs Homer Simspon', Ep1 season 9 1997 I have discovered).
Now I have seen the second half of this episode several times, but never the beginning, so it was interesting to see how the car got to the World Trade centre in the first place.
The spooky thing is the magazine featuring the $9 bus fare that inspires the family to go NY to get the car back. The magazine has a huge 9 on its cover, superimposed over the New York skyline. Just to the right of the 9 are the silhouettes of the twin towers, doing a pretty reasonable impression of the number 11.
At first glance the cover reads 9/11.....
Have the truthers picked up on this yet?
There was a conspiracy! And The Simpsons were in on it! Which means Fox was in on it!
Whatever. I posted my views on the supposed conspiracy a while back, and haven't seen anything in the interim to change my opinion.
It just makes what is now a somewhat poignant episode a little more memorable.
***
In other news I was deliberately and calculatedly rude and insulting to someone on Tuesday night, but since she was the able bodied driver of a car with two able bodied passengers who parked in a disabled park at netball, and a silly spoiled looking teenager at that, and I had the chance since I happened to play against her, I felt it was deserved.
Now I have seen the second half of this episode several times, but never the beginning, so it was interesting to see how the car got to the World Trade centre in the first place.
The spooky thing is the magazine featuring the $9 bus fare that inspires the family to go NY to get the car back. The magazine has a huge 9 on its cover, superimposed over the New York skyline. Just to the right of the 9 are the silhouettes of the twin towers, doing a pretty reasonable impression of the number 11.
At first glance the cover reads 9/11.....
Have the truthers picked up on this yet?
There was a conspiracy! And The Simpsons were in on it! Which means Fox was in on it!
Whatever. I posted my views on the supposed conspiracy a while back, and haven't seen anything in the interim to change my opinion.
It just makes what is now a somewhat poignant episode a little more memorable.
***
In other news I was deliberately and calculatedly rude and insulting to someone on Tuesday night, but since she was the able bodied driver of a car with two able bodied passengers who parked in a disabled park at netball, and a silly spoiled looking teenager at that, and I had the chance since I happened to play against her, I felt it was deserved.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)