The bits and pieces post.

Im back. I told you I would be, I just didn't say when. As it turns out - that was smart; I really didn't think it would take me over a week to get back here. It's kind of an indication of how unmotivated I have been when it comes to internet land. I really couldn't tell you why - it's possibly a combination of being really busy, and being really tired.

And probably due to the fact that the most interesting things that have happened in my life have happened in the hospital, and I can't talk about it. As much as I would LOVE to. Honestly, imagine how awesome blogs about ED departments would be, if you were allowed to talk about it.

Anyway.

Once I finished my placement there (only one more to go!) I decided to take the kids to Melbourne on a sort of impromtue visit to see my sister in law and her two, beautiful girls. It was her eldest daughters second birthday (yep, two under two - she's a hero!) and I thought it was a perfect opportunity to visit.

To say the kids were excited would be an understatement. They couldn't talk of anything else - I'm surprised Darcy still had friends at school. He didn't stop talking about going on a plane and telling them all how much they were going to miss him.

He's a humble child.

Don't be deceived by Tilly's face. She really was excited.

Most of the time was spent eating and drinking with the family, but one of the days I decided to take the kids into Melbourne. I had the BEST time with my sister and best friend Jenny when we went to Melbourne last year, that I wanted to recreate that with my children.

I'll give you some time to stop laughing before reading on.

Done? Good.

Melbourne with kids, is not the same. It's not bad! Just not the same. We first went to the Aquarium and I was pleasantly surprised at how completely awesome it was. I did not know there were penguins there, and while I was amazed by them, and was ooing and ahhing over their complete cuteness, I felt guilty too. And I blame Happy Feet.

After Aquarium things, we hiked up the road to Degraves for lunch. It wasn't the same. But I did have a red velvet cupcake from the cupcake shop. That was the same. Delicious.

After that I made an attempt to go to the new Zara store that had opened on Bourke street. Yep, not going to happen - not only was there a line up in front of the store - with security guards - but the thought of weaving my way through with two kids, actually find something within my budget to purchase, trying it on and paying for it, was just too much. A kind of torture that we mothers have all done once. And we learned. And never did it again.

Luckily Im going to Melbourne again in October for my sisters 30th birthday. Zara and I will hook up then.

So that was Melbourne. Alone, with the kids. It was successful, not stressful, and a good indication that I can do things like travel interstate by myself with more than just a suitcase or two in tow.

 Win for me.

A week or so later, when Adam was back from work, we went to Arkaroola. We bid on it in a travel auction on tv. You know the ones they tend to show later in the afternoon? The ones that entice you to strange, or far locations you wouldn't ordinarily think of going to?

Those ones.

Well, we bid. And we won it. A little back story: When I saw the advertisment for Arkaroola, I asked Adam how far away it was. He said it wasn't that much further than the farm - which is about a four hour drive from here. Cool - no worries.

Turns out - the farm is about half way. Yep, about 7-8 hours from here. Not cool. But doable.

And we did it.

A few things I'd like to say about Arkaroola:

- the scenery is breath taking. There is something magical about being nestled in amongst such vast ranges and beautiful, red earth.

- it is amazingly quiet. And it has no internet or phone. And is the perfect setting to relax, taking casual walks through the bush (or not so casual, depends what floats your boat) and reading books. All guilt free.

- Go on the Ridgetop tour. At all costs. It cost us coming back a day later due to the tour being cancelled due to inclement weather. Do it. It's worth every cent.

- You don't need a 4WD. You can drive the tracks to some beautiful lookout spots, creeks and waterfall areas in your 2WD. But your 2WD - it won't ever be the same again. And you will hear noises under your car that can only mean great gaping holes and oil and things spewing out.

(this didn't happen, but it sounded like it should have).

- We are getting a 4WD. Arkaroola was the last sign we needed to tell us that it was time.

- Be prepared to spend $7.50 for a standard block of Cadbury's chocolate. And $6.00 for an old loaf of deep frozen bread. In other words, take your own food.

Im not yet convinced I would recommend Arkaroola, but I wouldn't disuade anyone from going either. It's definitely an experience you won't forget and will most likely enjoy.

Thanks for having me back xxx

Why I love Holidays.

I love holidays because I have time to set the table for dinner parties with friends. And Christmas dinner parties, they are the best.

By far.

I love holidays because we can take the dog for a walk. At six in the evening, before tea.

Because tea is whenever we feel like it.

And the kids get to eat two minute noodles for tea too. Because we had a big, BBQ lunch. Stuff of the holidays.

I love it.

 And going to the park. And trying out the new play equipment. My goodness this thing is fun! You sit your end in, turn side ways and off you go. Around and around and around and around. And around. It's actually quite difficult to stop!

Especially when you get the giggles, like I did. 

Adam didn't love it. He went around once and he was off.

I am totally going back tomorrow.

xx

It's up to you. Mel-bourne! Mel-bourne!

This last weekend, we did the right thing. Left the men and children at home, and jetted off to Melbourne, to shop, eat, partake in awesome musical theatre, and eat.

The group consisted of these ladies. Jenny, Sarah and myself.

Our first meal together

Degraves.

After a fabulous meal on very cool Degraves, we walked back to our hotel.

I may never walk again after this weekend, it was walking central!

We thought it would be a good idea to walk off our rather large dinners..but then accidentally walked right on in to Krispy Kremes. Honestly - there was some magnetic forces beyond our control, we literally did not mean to walk in there. And then once we were at the counter, well - this happened.

So we had to keep walking to burn the dessert.

And when we got back to our room, we totally rocked out and partied hard.

We are hardcore like that.

What doesn't rock about Home and Gardens CHRISTMAS edition. Seriously - I was drooling, and it wasn't alcohol related. How grown up am I?

The next morning we hiked back to Degraves for possibly the best breakfast I have ever had. A giant bowl of the freshest fruit salad, ever, topped with yoghurt and toasted muesli. I am still dreaming of it. I chased it down with the best juice, ever. Freshly squeezed.

Then we shopped. Sarah had a list of amazing little shops we otherwise would never have discovered, where I stocked up on beautiful christmas decorations and a few pretties for myself too.

Then I went to macaroon heaven. Do you know, before this I had NEVER tasted a macaroon? It was just one of those things I never thought I would like. So I never tried.

I am three years old like that.

And you guys, seriously. These were the best macaroons ever. The one I'm holding here? Pistachio macaroon. Delightful. This was courtesy of Laurent bakery which is a definite and absolute must for the touring and residing Melbournians. Heaven, in a building.

Then we shopped, then we were turned away from the Titanic exhibition. Because we didn't line up at 7am to get tickets. Tickets which the don't sell online.

Angry.

And we trammed it a little out of the main city area to the coolest place ever.

The Soda Rock Diner

Where they sell real old style American diner food, like burgers and chilli fries. Did you know that Chilli fries is fries, with a chilli con carne type affair on top? Topped with a mountain of melted cheese? It is really, really tasty. Yum.

And that Root Beer is like Sarsparilla yet completely and totally sugary. That was ok, but I overdosed a bit and didn't quite finish him off.

See? Chilli fries!

But the absolute best part of this diner? The juke boxes that sit in each booth, ready for you to choose your favourite songs from the 50's and 60's. And if you choose the right one - the staff bound out from behind the counter and dance to the music. It was so much fun. So much fun in fact that the table next door thought we were ex-staff coming in for a bit of nostalgia.

Maybe because we danced in the booths, doing all the moves to 'Shake a tail feather'.

Maybe lame for some. But we danced like no one was watching, and I think that made us cool.

But the absolute highlight was the reason we went in the first place. Seeing Hairspray on the stage.

 I was speechless! Sarah looked like this. The entire show.

 It was the most energetic, colourful, happy and fun thing I have ever been a part of. I just loved it, and I can't say it enough. The dancing, the sets, the costumes. Just amazing! Well worth the trek over here. And when it finished, I could have turned right back around and watched it all again.

And we left on the biggest high of the trip. And you know what? It was just what I needed. I missed my Darcy and Tilly. I missed Adam. And I was excited about coming home and being mum again.

It was just what I needed to get away from life and enjoy the big and exciting things that Melbourne has to offer. To enjoy company of women who enjoy life the way I do. And to just have fun being me!

I might start saving for next year! x