This week has been one of the more challenging weeks in recent memory. Our lives have been almost blissful for a little while now, until...
We started off uneventfully. Monday was nothing more than a typical day for Kylie at home, and I spent the day studying in preparation for my Applied Cognitive Psychology exam which was scheduled for Tuesday. While I wasn't completely prepared I felt confident.
The exam was going really well. I was flying through the pages, writing answers freely, and counting up the marks I was sure would be mine! I could almost see the First Class Honours that I've been chasing for so long. There were only 13 marks left out of 80. I felt like I had at least 60 out of the 67 I'd already completed. And then I turned to the second last page. Oh no! The horror. I knew how to answer the question, but every attempt I made was wrong. After over 20 minutes of exasperated trying I gave up on the 8 marks assigned to that page and turned to the final page. Oh no! It was worse! I hadn't studied this part AT ALL!
They say that endings are important. In relationships a conversation that starts abruptly or angrily will, more often than not, end badly. Likewise, a colonoscopy study was done where patients either experienced the discomfort of the procedure and then had the tube removed, or it was left still for 60 seconds before being removed. Patients who experienced the waiting and lack of movement were far more likely to say they would undergo the experience again. It seems that the way something ends has significant impact on our feelings about it.
My Applied Cognitive Psychology exam ended badly. So despite the fact that I know I must have done reasonably well, the poor experience of the last 13 marks on the final two pages has left me with uncomfortable memories. I don't think I got the result I was hoping for. But, I probably could have worked a little harder and then I would have done a little better.
On Wednesday evening things went downhill for Kylie. Last week she had some significant pain which went away following a priesthood blessing. It seemed to have returned with a vengeance. We left for the hospital, thinking it may be appendicitis, but the doctor ruled that out when we arrived. The baby was fine, but Kylie was in excruciating pain. Kylie has been in hospital since Wednesday. It's now Sunday night.
It was thought that the problem may be kidney stones. All the symptoms align with that interpretation. However, a recent study showed that 85% of pregnant women who attend the hospital with similar symptoms are experiencing the baby pushing against the renal area and causing the same issues and pain, but without the calcium build-up. We can't find out either. Kylie would have to undergo a CAT scan, but radiation and pregnancy do not mix. And the ultrasound view is too crude to provide the level of detail we need to determine what it is. So the engorged kidney, the lack of flow through the ureter, the pain, could be kidney stones. But then again, it could just be the baby pushing against the organs and the nerves and making it feel like kidney stones.
I've never seen Kylie in as much pain. Both Kylie and I were against the idea of drugs to calm her down because of the baby. But after seeing Kylie in so much pain, I was running down the hall calling for the nurse. I couldn't stand to see it. Once they'd given me a double dose of pethadine I was fine though. Just kidding! They looked after Kylie and assured us the baby would be fine. In fact, it may be worse for the baby if Kylie stayed so stressed, so we did as we were told. But Kylie has been remarkably tough. I don't know how she does it. One thing's for sure, this has been our most difficult pregnancy.
So while Kylie's been in hospital, I've been trying to juggle the house, the kids, school, lunches, visits to the hospital and church meetings. Oh, and that other issue: study! I've got the most scariest, biggest, nastiest exam I'll probably ever sit this Tuesday. It's fourth year multi-variate statistics. And I'm not too well prepared. Apparently it's so scary that last year people left the exam in tears, literally! Oh dear. However, I'm ok. I've studied as well as I can given the circumstances. I go in needing only 2 marks to pass the course because I've done well with assignments during the semester, and if I can get over 65% (which will be difficult given my preparation) I can still manage that first class honours grade. Tomorrow will be a big study day. Oh, hang on, except for the kids, the lunches, Kylie at the hospital...
Some wonderful blessings have been ours throughout this week. It's somewhat personal, but my feelings for Kylie have been deepened again as I see what she is willing to go through for our family, and particularly our unborn baby. I am in awe of her.
I've been the beneficiary of kindness from friends and church members too. Food has been kindly and lovingly prepared to ease the pressure of balancing everything. I've been forced to spend more time with the kids than I might normally, and that's been a treat. We've cuddled and tickled in bed. We've sung songs and gone for walks and drives. And we've cleaned the house once or twice too! Plus, the babysitting offers have been gratefully accepted so I could get some study done.
One of our good friends has been breathtakingly generous. Not only did she rush out to buy a gift for Kylie when she heard she was in hospital (it was some fabulous pj's), but she also thought of me! I love to cook, but only when I have the time to be creative and adventurous. I don't do rush hour cooking with screaming kids very well. This friend had the foresight to go to the shops without telling me, and buy a stack of groceries that would mean I would have good quality meals each night without having to do anything more than turn on the oven and wait. There were even treats for the kids (ice-creams) and treats for me (Tim Tams).
So as I sit here munching on Tim Tams and finalising this blog, I'm grateful for good health. I'm grateful for competent doctors who have cared for Kylie and our baby. I'm grateful for my beautiful children. And, I'm grateful for friends' generosity and kindness, and Tim Tams.
Sunday, 17 June 2007
Sunday, 10 June 2007
Rain
Our week started with maximum excitement. Chanel lost another tooth. She had been wiggling and wiggling, and finally on Tuesday morning, the tooth left its home of the last 7 years and made room for another. Chanel was excited, but imagine everyone's surprise when, at recess, she lost another tooth. Two teeth in one day! Needless to say, Chanel was restless at bed time, excited in the knowledge that the tooth fairy would be delivering something of a bonus! It is breathtaking to consider how quickly our babies are growing up.
Tuesday night was another great experience for me. I taught at the radio school, which I'm really enjoying. I had left my scooter outside with the helmet attached. Glancing out the window, I noticed rain. Hard and heavy rain. My helmet! I left the class and sprinted outside, getting drenched as I did so. As I feared, my helmet was entirely full. It had been facing up toward the rain and had collected about 70 mm. I carried the sodden item back inside, which provided laughs for the class. At the end of the night it was still pouring. What a blessing, we need the rain so badly. But my jacket isn't waterproof. I rode home, my open faced helmet allowing the rain drops to pelt into my face at 60km/h plus whatever their velocity is as they fall from the sky. By the halfway mark I could feel the water soaking to my skin through my several layers of clothing. When I got home, I was drenched through. It was cold. But my gloves worked a treat! And it was raining. Plus, Kylie was waiting up for me. What could be better?
Wednesday brought a whole new set of challenges. I went to work in the morning, and received a call while still travelling. Kylie was having strong pains and was fearful that she was having contractions. At 28 weeks, that would not be good for our little family. Kylie's mum (who has been amazingly helpful to us this week) took Kylie to the hospital and left her there while she took Ella to speech therapy. The hospital said there was nothing wrong, and sent Kylie home a couple of hours later.
By about three o'clock Kylie was on the phone to me in tears. The pain was back and far more intense than previously. This time though, it definitely was not contractions. But Kylie could barely stand it, and I stopped studying to race home to help. The kids were quickly farmed out to babysitters who watched them until Kylie's mum could pick them up. We went back to the hospital.
Scans were taken. There are two pictures of the scans below. This was a very exciting part of the day for us. This first pic is of our baby's spine. The second one is our baby's foot.
Kylie had test after test! They took a lot of blood and so on, but still couldn't give us any idea of what was really going on. All they could do for certain was rule out labour. Then they ruled out appendicitis. But Kylie was still in a lot of pain. The doctor admitted Kylie for the night, which meant that I went home to an empty house, and Kylie had a stress free, quiet night
Other symptoms finally led them to a tentative conclusion that was confirmed the following morning. It appears that Kylie had kidney stones. I'm not familiar with exactly what that means, but my understanding (and Kylie's experience) is that it hurts. A lot. Almost like labour in fact.
Interestingly, Kylie asked for a priesthood blessing/administration from me. From that time on, there was little discomfort, and since Kylie came out of the hospital there has been no pain at all. We're praying that the stones dissolved and were passed.
I don't buy dinner often but with Kylie in hospital for the night and the children being looked after, and my late return, Thai was on my mind. As I left the Thai restaurant at 8pm it was still raining. A semi-trailer was heading my way and I saw the spray from the road as he drove. Electing to get out of the way I stepped backwards from my car and up onto the footpath outside the restaurant. Oops, the guttering was leaking and in missing the water from the truck, I got a soaking from the downpipe! I had to laugh.
So a couple of eventful days meant study interrupted! I have my first exam this Tuesday, and haven't done nearly as much as I feel I need to prepare. Church today, and then tomorrow I study - hard. All things going well I'll maintain my high distinction average.
One last highlight that I really want to share. Kylie's mum has a wonderful musical talent which she has worked hard to develop. A couple of times each year, she works with different groups of church members to conduct choirs and performances. At the moment she has been having difficulty finding a narrator for the one that is being completed. I was invited to attend this week (Thursday night) and act as narrator for a performance that will be held in a couple of weeks. I was pleased to be invited, and took up the offer.
What a spiritual highlight! To hear these wonderful voices singing and testifying of Truth. It was entirely uplifting. The pinnacle for me was to be able to read words from prophets, written to convince others of the importance of Jesus, and the infinite atonement. As I read those words I felt, deep in my soul, the Holy Spirit reconfirming (again) how true and how sacred this knowledge is. I look forward to every chance I get to feel that and to tell others of it.
Tuesday night was another great experience for me. I taught at the radio school, which I'm really enjoying. I had left my scooter outside with the helmet attached. Glancing out the window, I noticed rain. Hard and heavy rain. My helmet! I left the class and sprinted outside, getting drenched as I did so. As I feared, my helmet was entirely full. It had been facing up toward the rain and had collected about 70 mm. I carried the sodden item back inside, which provided laughs for the class. At the end of the night it was still pouring. What a blessing, we need the rain so badly. But my jacket isn't waterproof. I rode home, my open faced helmet allowing the rain drops to pelt into my face at 60km/h plus whatever their velocity is as they fall from the sky. By the halfway mark I could feel the water soaking to my skin through my several layers of clothing. When I got home, I was drenched through. It was cold. But my gloves worked a treat! And it was raining. Plus, Kylie was waiting up for me. What could be better?
Wednesday brought a whole new set of challenges. I went to work in the morning, and received a call while still travelling. Kylie was having strong pains and was fearful that she was having contractions. At 28 weeks, that would not be good for our little family. Kylie's mum (who has been amazingly helpful to us this week) took Kylie to the hospital and left her there while she took Ella to speech therapy. The hospital said there was nothing wrong, and sent Kylie home a couple of hours later.
By about three o'clock Kylie was on the phone to me in tears. The pain was back and far more intense than previously. This time though, it definitely was not contractions. But Kylie could barely stand it, and I stopped studying to race home to help. The kids were quickly farmed out to babysitters who watched them until Kylie's mum could pick them up. We went back to the hospital.
Scans were taken. There are two pictures of the scans below. This was a very exciting part of the day for us. This first pic is of our baby's spine. The second one is our baby's foot.
Kylie had test after test! They took a lot of blood and so on, but still couldn't give us any idea of what was really going on. All they could do for certain was rule out labour. Then they ruled out appendicitis. But Kylie was still in a lot of pain. The doctor admitted Kylie for the night, which meant that I went home to an empty house, and Kylie had a stress free, quiet nightOther symptoms finally led them to a tentative conclusion that was confirmed the following morning. It appears that Kylie had kidney stones. I'm not familiar with exactly what that means, but my understanding (and Kylie's experience) is that it hurts. A lot. Almost like labour in fact.
Interestingly, Kylie asked for a priesthood blessing/administration from me. From that time on, there was little discomfort, and since Kylie came out of the hospital there has been no pain at all. We're praying that the stones dissolved and were passed.
I don't buy dinner often but with Kylie in hospital for the night and the children being looked after, and my late return, Thai was on my mind. As I left the Thai restaurant at 8pm it was still raining. A semi-trailer was heading my way and I saw the spray from the road as he drove. Electing to get out of the way I stepped backwards from my car and up onto the footpath outside the restaurant. Oops, the guttering was leaking and in missing the water from the truck, I got a soaking from the downpipe! I had to laugh.So a couple of eventful days meant study interrupted! I have my first exam this Tuesday, and haven't done nearly as much as I feel I need to prepare. Church today, and then tomorrow I study - hard. All things going well I'll maintain my high distinction average.
One last highlight that I really want to share. Kylie's mum has a wonderful musical talent which she has worked hard to develop. A couple of times each year, she works with different groups of church members to conduct choirs and performances. At the moment she has been having difficulty finding a narrator for the one that is being completed. I was invited to attend this week (Thursday night) and act as narrator for a performance that will be held in a couple of weeks. I was pleased to be invited, and took up the offer.
What a spiritual highlight! To hear these wonderful voices singing and testifying of Truth. It was entirely uplifting. The pinnacle for me was to be able to read words from prophets, written to convince others of the importance of Jesus, and the infinite atonement. As I read those words I felt, deep in my soul, the Holy Spirit reconfirming (again) how true and how sacred this knowledge is. I look forward to every chance I get to feel that and to tell others of it.
Sunday, 3 June 2007
Exhilaration
Uni results are coming in fast! And fortunately most of the news is good. It seems that I am well-placed to be averaging over 80% in all of my subjects in the lead-up to exams. I was really excited to receive my statistics assignment on discriminant analysis... Another first class honours score. Add to that my applied cognitive psychology essay with 88% and the trend is continuing. While I hate to admit it, this year seems to me to be less about learning, and more about grade-chasing as I try to pull in a 1st class honours. And so far things are on track.
I've begun studying in earnest for exams. Fortunately I began studying some weeks ago, but now it's an 8 hour-a-day job. Particularly with the pressure of stats. I have about 9 days until my first exam, and I should do quite well. Then another week until stats kicks off. That's no fun, but I keep my head up because it means that when I have finished that I only have two subjects, and one very big assignment (my thesis) until my degree is absolutely and unconditionally completed. Which will then mean that weeknights, weekends, and holidays are mine and my family's again!
So blessings have come through school. But I believe even more significant blessings have come through other means. On Thursday I attended the temple. It was the first time in months that I've taken the time, and I really felt as though I needed to be there. As I sat in preparation for the session to begin I felt exhilarated. It was such a thrill to be there again. Genuinely exciting. I know that as a place of peace we generally feel peaceful at the temple, and I did. But another part of me was buzzing. I love being there.
On Monday night for family home evening we decided to talk to the children about the authority of the priesthood. We believe that Jesus gave his authority to His disciples, but it was not something that anyone could claim to have. Instead it had to be conferred upon someone. And since His original church was torn apart within a short-time after He walked the earth, we believe it has been restored. As part of the restoration of the Church with His teachings, the priesthood (or authority to act for Him) was also restored. It is conferred upon all worthy male members of the church aged 12 and over, with higher offices as the person ages and grows in maturity and responsibility.
After we have talked about these things with the children I gave each of them a priesthood blessing. I placed my hands upon their heads and spoke as I felt prompted too. Since then we have seen some remarkable blessings. Ella is improving in her speech, but more than that, she is increasing in understanding which makes dealing with her that little bit easier! She has also begun sleeping right through the night. Abbie, who has been driving us crazy with cries of being scared most nights, and several interruptions as we sleep, has gone to bed quietly and even happily every night this week! We feel blessed.
We went and saw the third in the Pirates of the Carribean trilogy at the cinema yesterday. Didn't think much of it... I give it 6 out of 10. While the first one was lots of fun and the second one told an exciting and easy to follow story, this was heavy, dark and extremely violent. The story was complicated and difficult to follow, and some parts were extremely slow. Still a remarkable visual sight, but not a particularly enlightening film.
I've begun studying in earnest for exams. Fortunately I began studying some weeks ago, but now it's an 8 hour-a-day job. Particularly with the pressure of stats. I have about 9 days until my first exam, and I should do quite well. Then another week until stats kicks off. That's no fun, but I keep my head up because it means that when I have finished that I only have two subjects, and one very big assignment (my thesis) until my degree is absolutely and unconditionally completed. Which will then mean that weeknights, weekends, and holidays are mine and my family's again!
So blessings have come through school. But I believe even more significant blessings have come through other means. On Thursday I attended the temple. It was the first time in months that I've taken the time, and I really felt as though I needed to be there. As I sat in preparation for the session to begin I felt exhilarated. It was such a thrill to be there again. Genuinely exciting. I know that as a place of peace we generally feel peaceful at the temple, and I did. But another part of me was buzzing. I love being there.
On Monday night for family home evening we decided to talk to the children about the authority of the priesthood. We believe that Jesus gave his authority to His disciples, but it was not something that anyone could claim to have. Instead it had to be conferred upon someone. And since His original church was torn apart within a short-time after He walked the earth, we believe it has been restored. As part of the restoration of the Church with His teachings, the priesthood (or authority to act for Him) was also restored. It is conferred upon all worthy male members of the church aged 12 and over, with higher offices as the person ages and grows in maturity and responsibility.
After we have talked about these things with the children I gave each of them a priesthood blessing. I placed my hands upon their heads and spoke as I felt prompted too. Since then we have seen some remarkable blessings. Ella is improving in her speech, but more than that, she is increasing in understanding which makes dealing with her that little bit easier! She has also begun sleeping right through the night. Abbie, who has been driving us crazy with cries of being scared most nights, and several interruptions as we sleep, has gone to bed quietly and even happily every night this week! We feel blessed.
We went and saw the third in the Pirates of the Carribean trilogy at the cinema yesterday. Didn't think much of it... I give it 6 out of 10. While the first one was lots of fun and the second one told an exciting and easy to follow story, this was heavy, dark and extremely violent. The story was complicated and difficult to follow, and some parts were extremely slow. Still a remarkable visual sight, but not a particularly enlightening film.
Sunday, 27 May 2007
Beginnings
Kylie and I haven't been able to stop smiling for a couple of weeks now, except when the kids are driving us crazy. We've been making some really exciting decisions for the future, and while there's little to say at this point, the time is going so fast that in no time at all it will be implementation time. Can't wait... but I'll have to, and so will you.
Last night we went to the engagement party of Estelle (Kylie's youngest sister) and her fiancee, Caleb. It was a terrific night, and they're excited to begin a very new and important relationship. They'll be married in early July which is coming around really fast. But I like the idea of a fast engagement. In fact, so did Oscar Wilde, who said, cynically, "Long engagements give people the opportunity of finding out each other's character before marriage, which is never advisable." But their time is now, and it's exciting to watch it all beginning for them.
This week we finally received word from the speech pathologist about the extent of Ella's speech difficulties. It turns out that she has a speech disorder and scores in the bottom 5% of children her age. So it's definitely necessary to continue the speech pathology. We're hopeful that towards the early part of 2008 Ella will be doing well enough with her speech. And we're told that it shouldn't impact on her ability to read or write. So here's hoping, and praying.
Kylie's doing great and only has about 14 weeks until the baby arrives. It's amazing to consider how fast it's all going.
I'm just studying and getting ready for my thesis, but I'm feeling remarkably relaxed about things, and am really confident that everything will go well. Work is fine, and all in all I simply feel terrific.
And it's exciting to mention that Dad is enjoying a new beginning today too. He will be released as Bishop of Gosford in a couple of hours. It's exciting for him, after nearly 7 years of looking after the congregation. Time for someone else to have a turn! And while he's a little sad about it, he's looking forward to not being quite so busy!
Last night we went to the engagement party of Estelle (Kylie's youngest sister) and her fiancee, Caleb. It was a terrific night, and they're excited to begin a very new and important relationship. They'll be married in early July which is coming around really fast. But I like the idea of a fast engagement. In fact, so did Oscar Wilde, who said, cynically, "Long engagements give people the opportunity of finding out each other's character before marriage, which is never advisable." But their time is now, and it's exciting to watch it all beginning for them.
This week we finally received word from the speech pathologist about the extent of Ella's speech difficulties. It turns out that she has a speech disorder and scores in the bottom 5% of children her age. So it's definitely necessary to continue the speech pathology. We're hopeful that towards the early part of 2008 Ella will be doing well enough with her speech. And we're told that it shouldn't impact on her ability to read or write. So here's hoping, and praying.
Kylie's doing great and only has about 14 weeks until the baby arrives. It's amazing to consider how fast it's all going.
I'm just studying and getting ready for my thesis, but I'm feeling remarkably relaxed about things, and am really confident that everything will go well. Work is fine, and all in all I simply feel terrific.
And it's exciting to mention that Dad is enjoying a new beginning today too. He will be released as Bishop of Gosford in a couple of hours. It's exciting for him, after nearly 7 years of looking after the congregation. Time for someone else to have a turn! And while he's a little sad about it, he's looking forward to not being quite so busy!
Sunday, 20 May 2007
May 2007 photos
This is our amazing, photogenic family! Chanel (aged 7) is behind Kylie and I. Abbie (aged 4) is in pink, on Kylie's lap, and Ella (aged 3) is in front of Kylie and I in yellow.
Progress
This week has flown by so fast... and it's hard to think of anything that's happened that's really newsworthy.
Things are moving forward well with my studies, and I'm presently working through exam prep with three weeks until they begin. I'm most concerned about the three hour open book test for multi-variate statistical analysis. It's pretty intense stuff. The only other exam I have is for Applied Cognitive Psychology, which I'm reasonably confident about. Nothing too complex, just simple memorisation of the research and principles. I really enjoy it.
This week as I studied I came across a host of research that describes expertise. The psychology is reasonably unambiguous. There's really no such thing as a natural 'expert'. In all domains, people become expert through sheer volume of time spent in deliberate practice, and nothing more. While in some areas there is a very real advantage genetically (such as in sport), there is still an absolute need for voluminous practice in order to obtain performance at the highest level. This inspires me! It means that high levels of expertise and proficiency in anything, from learning statistics, to presenting seminars, to being a great dad, and even learning a language or playing sport comes down to how hard you're willing to work at it! If I want to excel, I determine whether I will or not, by how hard I am willing to work at it!
This week our family received a new addition. Chanel's class had a guinea pig, and the poor thing has been terrorised by 28 pairs of hands chasing it all day every day. So the teacher sent out an SOS for several weeks in a row, before finally we agreed that we'd adopt Tuffy! Poor Tuffy is now being terrorised by Chanel, Abbie and Ella. Apparently we're nowhere near as scary as the other 25 kids that used to chase the poor thing. So now we're on a steep learning curve in terms of learning about guinea pigs, and learning about how to work with children and teach them about being gentle with the thing.
Chanel is doing really well with netball. She's one of the key players in the team and had another great game yesterday. And Abbie and Ella are working well with things, but there are no real major things going on for them.
Kylie is travelling really nicely in her pregnancy. We're only about 14 weeks away from the birth already. It's breathtaking how fast the time is going and we simply cannot believe that it's all so close. She's feeling really good too, because for the first time in ages we've had a spotless house for a whole week, dinner on the table early every night and order in the home. It's been wonderful.
And even though Kylie would prefer it if I didn't write this, I'm excited to say that there's been some major progress in my personal decision-making processes. I have been quite consistent in being determined to study for a Ph.D at the end of my honours year this year. However, I've decided that I'm not a huge fan of the academic scholarship in terms of research. Designing good quality research projects and doing the necessary research is lots of things, but fun is not one of those things. And since I'm not that pumped up about doing another 4 years of that kind of work, plus I'm not all that excited about studying to be a clinical psychologist since I don't really want to deal with the high levels of dysfunction that psychologists deal with, I've decided to dump study at the end of my honours year. What that means is that I have less than 6 months and I'll be finished school.
I may return one day, perhaps in a few years, perhaps in a decade. I still think that one day I will complete postgraduate work, probably a Ph.D. but at the moment I want to get out and get on with what I'm really passionate about. I have a terrific job with great people teaching Certificate IV in Frontline Management. It pays quite well. I'll be able to work three days a week and that will provide well for the family. Then I'll spend the other two days a week working on Happy Families and putting together workshops for mum's and dad's who want to be better parents.
I'm really excited about having time and money again. It's been years. So I guess you could say that we're progressing in lots of different ways, and it's a real buzz. It's been a long 5 years at school, and it's time my family had weekend camps and time at the coast together. For now though, it's head down, because if I want the option of returning it's essential that I do the very best I can right now.
I'll be teaching the high priests today at church. The lesson is on forgiveness, and it looks like it should be really nice. I'm looking forward to it, especially testifying of the blessings of peace I've felt as I've been forgiven for my mistakes, humanity and spiritual frailty. I don't know much that makes me feel better than talking about the blessings of the gospel, and what Jesus has done.
Things are moving forward well with my studies, and I'm presently working through exam prep with three weeks until they begin. I'm most concerned about the three hour open book test for multi-variate statistical analysis. It's pretty intense stuff. The only other exam I have is for Applied Cognitive Psychology, which I'm reasonably confident about. Nothing too complex, just simple memorisation of the research and principles. I really enjoy it.
This week as I studied I came across a host of research that describes expertise. The psychology is reasonably unambiguous. There's really no such thing as a natural 'expert'. In all domains, people become expert through sheer volume of time spent in deliberate practice, and nothing more. While in some areas there is a very real advantage genetically (such as in sport), there is still an absolute need for voluminous practice in order to obtain performance at the highest level. This inspires me! It means that high levels of expertise and proficiency in anything, from learning statistics, to presenting seminars, to being a great dad, and even learning a language or playing sport comes down to how hard you're willing to work at it! If I want to excel, I determine whether I will or not, by how hard I am willing to work at it!
This week our family received a new addition. Chanel's class had a guinea pig, and the poor thing has been terrorised by 28 pairs of hands chasing it all day every day. So the teacher sent out an SOS for several weeks in a row, before finally we agreed that we'd adopt Tuffy! Poor Tuffy is now being terrorised by Chanel, Abbie and Ella. Apparently we're nowhere near as scary as the other 25 kids that used to chase the poor thing. So now we're on a steep learning curve in terms of learning about guinea pigs, and learning about how to work with children and teach them about being gentle with the thing.
Chanel is doing really well with netball. She's one of the key players in the team and had another great game yesterday. And Abbie and Ella are working well with things, but there are no real major things going on for them.
Kylie is travelling really nicely in her pregnancy. We're only about 14 weeks away from the birth already. It's breathtaking how fast the time is going and we simply cannot believe that it's all so close. She's feeling really good too, because for the first time in ages we've had a spotless house for a whole week, dinner on the table early every night and order in the home. It's been wonderful.
And even though Kylie would prefer it if I didn't write this, I'm excited to say that there's been some major progress in my personal decision-making processes. I have been quite consistent in being determined to study for a Ph.D at the end of my honours year this year. However, I've decided that I'm not a huge fan of the academic scholarship in terms of research. Designing good quality research projects and doing the necessary research is lots of things, but fun is not one of those things. And since I'm not that pumped up about doing another 4 years of that kind of work, plus I'm not all that excited about studying to be a clinical psychologist since I don't really want to deal with the high levels of dysfunction that psychologists deal with, I've decided to dump study at the end of my honours year. What that means is that I have less than 6 months and I'll be finished school.
I may return one day, perhaps in a few years, perhaps in a decade. I still think that one day I will complete postgraduate work, probably a Ph.D. but at the moment I want to get out and get on with what I'm really passionate about. I have a terrific job with great people teaching Certificate IV in Frontline Management. It pays quite well. I'll be able to work three days a week and that will provide well for the family. Then I'll spend the other two days a week working on Happy Families and putting together workshops for mum's and dad's who want to be better parents.
I'm really excited about having time and money again. It's been years. So I guess you could say that we're progressing in lots of different ways, and it's a real buzz. It's been a long 5 years at school, and it's time my family had weekend camps and time at the coast together. For now though, it's head down, because if I want the option of returning it's essential that I do the very best I can right now.
I'll be teaching the high priests today at church. The lesson is on forgiveness, and it looks like it should be really nice. I'm looking forward to it, especially testifying of the blessings of peace I've felt as I've been forgiven for my mistakes, humanity and spiritual frailty. I don't know much that makes me feel better than talking about the blessings of the gospel, and what Jesus has done.
Sunday, 13 May 2007
Good Sport
Kylie has kicked me out of the bedroom. It's Sunday afternoon, we're all tired, and she wants to finish reading The Work and The Glory. It's the last chapter of Volume 8, so only one more volume to go and the series is completed. In all the years we've been married, Kylie has barely read at all. Last year for her birthday I purchased an LDS novel called The Secret Diary of Brett Colton, and since then it's been non-stop. And it's terrific. I'm hoping that when Kylie finishes The Work and The Glory series, that she'll read a few of the books that I've enjoyed, but the main thing is she's enjoying the reading.
The past couple of weeks have been extremely busy. So much so that I haven't had a chance to write at all.
Pregnancy is having it's effects on Kylie. She's certainly tired, and is showing all the typical signs of being pregnant. But even her mind is going. The other day she forgot to take Abbie to kindy until 10am. Fortunately she still remembers to cook dinner and look after me, otherwise I'd be lost.
We've recently had some difficult news too. Ella Rose needs weekly visits to the speech pathologist for the next year or thereabouts to help her learn to talk. Her speech has been lagging for some time, and the news wasn't unexpected, but it's still disappointing and concerning. Of course, Ella isn't phased by it, and is just as adventurous and challenging as ever. She is full of energy and mischief, moreso than the other two combined.
Chanel is, as always, a standout. We are always so impressed with her. She is remarkably intelligent, and excels at everything she attempts. Her latest is netball, which is going really well. Chanel plays as a centre, and contributes to the team like a champion. In a game against a private school team a few days ago, Chanel was playing all over her opponent and completely dominating. After this had occurred for some time the little girl she was playing against complained to Chanel, "Stop getting the ball" followed a few minutes later by, "Stop doing that to me". Chanel turned to her and innocently replied, "But I'm supposed to. That's how you play netball." The coach heard it and cracked up. Little Chanel is telling the opposition how to play! We've got some serious sledging about to start in the Year 3 competition I think. But she's a good sport and loves to play.
I've had some really great news this week. My first statistics paper came back and I scored 24 out of 25. WOW! That's a nice mark to get on a paper worth 25% of the course. Incidentally I got 10 out of 10 on a matrices quiz. That was only worth 3% though, so no biggy. I still studied hard for it, and it was obviously worth it. I'm not sure I'll be able to repeat that with my next assignment. I just handed it in on Friday. It was a discriminant analysis, really complex, and not nice in any way at all! Heavy stuff. But for that subject I'm sitting on 33.5 out of 35 for the semester. If I can get 18 out of 20 I'll still be looking good going into the exam. Problem is, it's apparently a killer of an exam. 3 hours - open book.
I also sat down with my supervisor and finally figured out what's going on with my thesis. I'll be looking at how our approach to challenges can be influenced by social feedback (like praise) we receive. It's too complex to write about in the blog, but suffice to say I'm really excited about the content, and believe that I'll get some really interesting results. Plus, I'm hypothesising outcomes diametrically opposed to what she predicts, which is exciting to me because if I'm right it will powerfully validate what I've been saying for several years. Of course, if I'm wrong I'll have to eat humble pie, but only time will tell. The main thing is, after 10 weeks I finally have a thesis subject, a research question, several hypotheses, and a really exciting experimental design. Now the work really starts!
I started teaching classes for my new job in Frontline Management last week. That was terrific too. There are about 12 managers in the class and I teach them the basic theory of management. At the end of the course, they pick up a Certificate IV in Frontline Mgmt. I'm really pleased with the job. I enjoy it, I love teaching, and it pays a lot better than my previous jobs with TAFE. So I have no complaints or concerns with where I'm going or what I'm doing. The most exciting thing is that I can take on even more work and start to provide for my family a little better starting in about 5 more months. And this job will help me do it. It's terrific.
Today was Mother's Day. I called mum, and my two nan's this morning and spoke with them. Then it was time with Kylie - I cooked her French Toast with cinammon and orange. Didn't really spend time with her because we had church at 9am. We went to Kylie's parents' ward. There were so many people there. It was amazing. It felt great to be in such a large congregation. Church was nice, then everyone came back to our home for a Mother's Day lunch. I ate too much, and now I'm paying for it. I just want to go to sleep.
And it seems to be child of record baptism time. We've been attending several baptisms, and there are heaps more to come in the coming month or so. I was unexpectedly invited to speak at one, and thoroughly enjoyed testifying of the blessings that come from making covenants and participating in ordinances with our Father. The Spirit bore witness so clearly and directly that the Church is true, and that baptism is a beautiful blessing to help us be reconciled to God through the Atonement of Jesus. It felt great. I can't wait until October when we have the blessing of seeing Chanel baptised!
This week: Loads of study, even more work on the thesis, and heavy statistics. Only 2 more lessons in statistics! That feels good. Plus I start teaching at radio school for another year this Tuesday night. It's always fun. Oh, and did I mention lots of study and thesis work? You get the picture.
Have a great week.
Justin
The past couple of weeks have been extremely busy. So much so that I haven't had a chance to write at all.Pregnancy is having it's effects on Kylie. She's certainly tired, and is showing all the typical signs of being pregnant. But even her mind is going. The other day she forgot to take Abbie to kindy until 10am. Fortunately she still remembers to cook dinner and look after me, otherwise I'd be lost.
We've recently had some difficult news too. Ella Rose needs weekly visits to the speech pathologist for the next year or thereabouts to help her learn to talk. Her speech has been lagging for some time, and the news wasn't unexpected, but it's still disappointing and concerning. Of course, Ella isn't phased by it, and is just as adventurous and challenging as ever. She is full of energy and mischief, moreso than the other two combined.
Chanel is, as always, a standout. We are always so impressed with her. She is remarkably intelligent, and excels at everything she attempts. Her latest is netball, which is going really well. Chanel plays as a centre, and contributes to the team like a champion. In a game against a private school team a few days ago, Chanel was playing all over her opponent and completely dominating. After this had occurred for some time the little girl she was playing against complained to Chanel, "Stop getting the ball" followed a few minutes later by, "Stop doing that to me". Chanel turned to her and innocently replied, "But I'm supposed to. That's how you play netball." The coach heard it and cracked up. Little Chanel is telling the opposition how to play! We've got some serious sledging about to start in the Year 3 competition I think. But she's a good sport and loves to play.
I've had some really great news this week. My first statistics paper came back and I scored 24 out of 25. WOW! That's a nice mark to get on a paper worth 25% of the course. Incidentally I got 10 out of 10 on a matrices quiz. That was only worth 3% though, so no biggy. I still studied hard for it, and it was obviously worth it. I'm not sure I'll be able to repeat that with my next assignment. I just handed it in on Friday. It was a discriminant analysis, really complex, and not nice in any way at all! Heavy stuff. But for that subject I'm sitting on 33.5 out of 35 for the semester. If I can get 18 out of 20 I'll still be looking good going into the exam. Problem is, it's apparently a killer of an exam. 3 hours - open book.
I also sat down with my supervisor and finally figured out what's going on with my thesis. I'll be looking at how our approach to challenges can be influenced by social feedback (like praise) we receive. It's too complex to write about in the blog, but suffice to say I'm really excited about the content, and believe that I'll get some really interesting results. Plus, I'm hypothesising outcomes diametrically opposed to what she predicts, which is exciting to me because if I'm right it will powerfully validate what I've been saying for several years. Of course, if I'm wrong I'll have to eat humble pie, but only time will tell. The main thing is, after 10 weeks I finally have a thesis subject, a research question, several hypotheses, and a really exciting experimental design. Now the work really starts!
I started teaching classes for my new job in Frontline Management last week. That was terrific too. There are about 12 managers in the class and I teach them the basic theory of management. At the end of the course, they pick up a Certificate IV in Frontline Mgmt. I'm really pleased with the job. I enjoy it, I love teaching, and it pays a lot better than my previous jobs with TAFE. So I have no complaints or concerns with where I'm going or what I'm doing. The most exciting thing is that I can take on even more work and start to provide for my family a little better starting in about 5 more months. And this job will help me do it. It's terrific.
Today was Mother's Day. I called mum, and my two nan's this morning and spoke with them. Then it was time with Kylie - I cooked her French Toast with cinammon and orange. Didn't really spend time with her because we had church at 9am. We went to Kylie's parents' ward. There were so many people there. It was amazing. It felt great to be in such a large congregation. Church was nice, then everyone came back to our home for a Mother's Day lunch. I ate too much, and now I'm paying for it. I just want to go to sleep.
And it seems to be child of record baptism time. We've been attending several baptisms, and there are heaps more to come in the coming month or so. I was unexpectedly invited to speak at one, and thoroughly enjoyed testifying of the blessings that come from making covenants and participating in ordinances with our Father. The Spirit bore witness so clearly and directly that the Church is true, and that baptism is a beautiful blessing to help us be reconciled to God through the Atonement of Jesus. It felt great. I can't wait until October when we have the blessing of seeing Chanel baptised!
This week: Loads of study, even more work on the thesis, and heavy statistics. Only 2 more lessons in statistics! That feels good. Plus I start teaching at radio school for another year this Tuesday night. It's always fun. Oh, and did I mention lots of study and thesis work? You get the picture.
Have a great week.
Justin
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