pumpkindiary

At First Sight

2010-08-20T23:31:00.003+10:00

Your mother, it should be said, was remarkably composed during this procedure, the first chance we had to get a good look at you. We'd both been a little apprehensive about this ultrasound, me because your impending arrival still seems a little... esoteric. Your brother, it shall be noted, looked at you for a total of about 20 seconds before asking if he could have his Nintendo back, so I guess

my plus one

2010-07-07T09:14:00.004+10:00

I was reading a book last night. The title's not important; one of the things you'll find out about me is that my side of the bed is generally about 3 books deep with disposable airport fiction. The book, though, was talking about the way that differences between things are sometimes more important than the things themselves.It said things like "the difference between one and two is one, but it's

Pumpkindiary 2: The pumpkening

2010-06-15T11:05:00.003+10:00

There was always a burning question in the back of my mind, starting this. What I would say about it, when the time came, when the question got asked, if we had more than one.If I'd be in a position of having to defend the conversation.Now that the original pumpkin is five, and seems to have assumed the moniker of "monkey" more than any other, then perhaps I can make a determination. An executive

Rolling Stones

2009-08-23T20:06:00.002+10:00

This, my wonderful, amazing, constantly surprising son, is a picture of us. Of you, and me, doing one of the things that I always hoped we could do together, and something that I didn't think we'd be able to do until much, much later in your life.There's a great deal of argument, among the intellectuals and academics, about the way that children form their personality, about how they become who

Dancing about Architecture

2008-11-03T11:23:00.007+11:00

There is an accepted school of thought, punkin, that "writing about music is like dancing about architecture". I think, without googling it, that Elvis Costello said it. That his point, on saying it, was that the act itself is an art form, that any attempt to translate or somehow quantify it in another 'language' would necessarily lose something of the original, and that to attempt such would be

Alright Already

2008-10-20T21:02:00.001+11:00

Fwd:Originally uploaded by billyjoebobShe's right, you know, it's about bloody time I posted again. It's been so long I can't hardly remember what the last thing I told you was, or where we were going, so I should perhaps start at the start. Well, not the start, because that would negate the entire concept of the rest of the blog, but perhaps close enough to the start that we can gain some

She'll be apples

2008-01-30T09:31:00.000+11:00

It's often said, punkin, that the apple falls not far from the tree. This is, in my opinion, a bit of a ridiculous thing to say. I mean, how far could the apple get? It's not like they have legs, or the keys to my car.The truth of the saying, however, apparently, lies in the idea that ones children tend to be quite like oneself. Quite how this happens is a bizarre process, and one that I'm not

One poke over the lion.

2008-01-28T09:06:00.000+11:00

Not that I'm saying, punkin, that you should be a lion tamer. Or a zookeeper. You don't have to live up to any paternal expectations where your choice of career is concerned. I know that my mum (your grammy) always said that she just wanted me to be happy. Naturlich, that is almost exactly as infuriating as it sounds, particularly where one is asking for advice, but it turned out, as with many

Missing Link

2007-07-03T15:07:00.001+10:00

P1040451 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob So, punkin, as you've probably figured out by now, I'm not at home. I'm in the wonderful, cosmopolitan city to your north, known by most as Sydney. I'm here for work, so I can at least feel like I'm doing something positive, but I miss you and your mum so very much that at times it seems to be not at all worth it.When you rang me last night (to

Rocket? Yeah!

2007-06-11T11:01:00.001+10:00

P1040414 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob So yeah, punkin, it's been over a month since your dad last wrote to you. What can I say, it's not like I haven't had the time... There's been a bit of a problem with my work over the last couple of months - the man who I worked for decided he wanted to let someone else have a turn at doing the stuff I did for him, and so your dad had a lengthy

May the Fourth be with You

2007-05-04T16:41:00.001+10:00

P1040422 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. I can tell you, punkin, exactly where I was two years ago. (point of fact, I can just click over there and read about it), but that's not the point. The point, punkin, is where YOU were two years ago.. More precisely, two years ago, you weren't.I think I'm getting away from myself here and what I'm trying to say, because what I'm trying to say is

Haircut!

2007-03-26T14:47:00.001+10:00

Haircut!Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It is with sadness, punkin, that I report that your father has bowed to pressure and permitted your flowing locks to be shorn.It should, however, be duly noted that selfsame father was adamant (ant musiiiic oh oh oh oh) that your mullet should remain, and remain it did.You were surprisingly tractable during the haircutting process, although eagle eyed

cows go moo

2007-03-10T18:52:00.001+11:00

cows go mooOriginally uploaded by billyjoebob. It's something of a shock, bramble, to find a farm in the centre of town. In Collingwood, to be precise.But once we found it, we knew what we had to do. You have been telling us for weeks now, that cows go moo and that sheep go baa. You did not, however, I think, have any concept of what these animals looked like in the flesh. One day, we'll explain

a fan letter

2007-03-05T19:31:00.000+11:00

Mr Carey,I am not, in the immortal words of one Elwood Blues, the kind of guy who writes letters. I’m not the kind of guy, especially, who writes fan letters. I am inevitably content, when reading the written word, to find for myself the slight inconsistencies, the tiny flaws, and content myself in the idea that this, then, is something I could have done myself. This book I read, in the moments

Is the plural of museum musea?

2007-03-03T10:37:00.001+11:00

P1030922Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. There are many, as you discovered the other day punkin, interesting things at the museum.Naturally, being as you are, the Bram that you be, chief amongst those things were anything with wheels. This red truck was the first thing you saw when we came up to the ticket counter, and your mother was forced to accompany you in your headlong rush towards it.

Valentine my Valentine

2007-02-15T17:32:00.001+11:00

P1030807 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. You know, punkin, it was Valentine's Day yesterday. Valentine's day is all about, if we are to beleive the advertising, buying people that you love cards and flowers and chocolates and buying expensive dinners and keeping, punkin, the economy moving.Surprisingly, your dad doesn't buy into all that.Your mum and dad spent the evening of

Bram Likes Lasagna

2007-02-09T09:09:00.001+11:00

Lasagne 04 Originally uploaded by Grumpy in Maine. post goes here when i get a second.

on yer bike

2007-02-02T13:15:00.001+11:00

P1030520Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. I don't think, punkin, that I was ever prepared for seeing this. I don't think that, in the years (yes, years) that it has been since we first began planning your arrival, I don't think that I ever fully grasped the concept that I would be able to, as a Dad, get the chance to watch you go for your first bike ride.The night before Christmas, when, as we

Getting off on the right foot

2007-01-30T09:20:00.000+11:00

P1030632 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It seems, punkin, that we have inadvertantly caused some consternation. That people, unbeknownst to us, have been so frustrated by us taking the summer off that they have taken drastic steps. We do not in any way condone this kind of behaviour. The practice of "de lurking" is one that is fraught with danger, and in our opinion should be avoided

A sense of direction

2006-12-11T12:42:00.000+11:00

P1030254 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. The darkest night always ends with a bright and shining morning.

Pollock or Picasso?

2006-12-06T21:31:00.000+11:00

photo sharing"> P1030245 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Guest post from Evey (as dictated by Bill) Life goes on...It would seem, my son, my beautiful son, that you have discovered the joys of body art.Generally, most major artists stick to media other than their own bodies on the grounds that it sells considerably better (Keith Haring being a notable exception to this

The long dark night

2006-12-01T23:14:00.000+11:00

P1030265 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. As with every alarming post on here, punkin, we should of course begin by saying that everything is under control. That forces for good and righteousness are in action, and that everything, punkin, is Going to Be OK.It will not, however, be without its challenges.Sometimes, through no fault of anyone, the darkness and the clouds roll in on you, and

Peekaboo!

2006-11-12T13:00:00.000+11:00

P1030205 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. When I'm away for work, sitting alone in some anonymous hotel room, contorting my body so I can make the phone cable stretch to the bed and connect with the outside world over dialup (ancient technology, punkin, don't worry about it, just think about it like tin cans and string), this is the face that I see, that I want to come home to.When I

Blue Monday (even though it's Wednesday)

2006-11-08T19:17:00.000+11:00

P1020703 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Sometimes, punkin, even the most cheerful and bouncy of people end up having a bad day. Sometimes, punkin, everywhere you look, you can't find anything to smile about. Sometimes, punkin, when you see people laughing, you wonder what they know that you don't, you wonder why their lives are easier than yours, why they are so able to skate through

Trick or Treat!

2006-11-01T14:45:00.000+11:00

Trick or Treat!Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It's got to be said, punkin, that I'm not sure you were the scariest ghost on the block.To be perfectly frank, I'd have to suggest that it's likely you were the LEAST scary ghost on the block. Having said that, I will state for the record that you were the CUTEST ghost on the block, for the 3.72 seconds that you were actually wearing this costume

Watching the grass grow under your feet

2006-10-23T11:45:00.000+10:00

*sigh* a boy's work is never doneOriginally uploaded by billyjoebob. It's been a while, punkin.Looking, in fact, at the last date I posted here, it would seem that it's been over a month. Surely, you would think, something should have happened in the past month that was exciting enough for me to write to you about. It needn't be anything earth shattering, you will say, but come on, Dad, get your

Now sit back, and enjoy your inflight Grammy

2006-09-17T18:02:00.000+10:00

P1020567 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Your dad has it on good authority, punkling, that your grandmother and grandfather have snaffled the last two seats on a united airlines flight from sanfran, and that they will be with us momentarily. Well not quite momentarily, but soon soon soon. Like 12 hours worth of soon.Frankly, it's all a bit strange.

Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, i wonder where my grammy is....

2006-09-04T10:41:00.000+10:00

P1020779Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. The sun is shining in our back yard, punkling.The birds are singing (one in particular at 5am outside my window), the pink blossoms on fruit trees have already been replaced by lush, green regrowth. There's a palpable sense in the air, that things are looking better. There's a feeling, floating around, that there are signs of upward trends, that things

Baby's got blue eyes

2006-08-19T17:12:00.000+10:00

P1020707Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Don't have time to write anything huge right now, I'll get back to this later, but I wanted to share this photo that your mum took this morning....We had a very busy time of it this weekend, although we did manage to see an astonishing number of your grandparents in that short space. Reports from all concerned indicate that:a) you are still very cuteb)

Swings and Roundabouts

2006-08-13T19:14:00.000+10:00

bramswingOriginally uploaded by billyjoebob. As we grow older, punkin, we learn that we're better at some things than at others.We figure out, as we go along in our lives and try new experiences, what we like and what we don't like. We gain a... template, if you like, for how we're going to live our lives. Sometimes, though (and this is the really tough bit), the things that you think you

Stand up and be counted.

2006-08-09T14:41:00.000+10:00

P1020614Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Last night, punkling, was the census.It's an interesting point in time, when the government asks you to take stock of where you are and what you're doing, where you live and who you are. What your ancestry is, who you work for, and what your religion is.There's a strange feeling that strikes me everytime I'm in a position to perform some official task

Blind Leading the Blind

2006-08-08T14:03:00.000+10:00

P1020620Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It's a fact, punkin, that at various times in our lives, we see people who are doing similar jobs to us at seemingly far higher levels of success.This is of course, also true for parenting.As a parent, one often sees people who have very well mannered children, children without any vegemite on their foreheads. People who have obviously, punkin, got this

Sometimes the bear eats you....

2006-08-06T19:13:00.000+10:00

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On the ground

2006-07-27T18:33:00.000+10:00

32 odd hours in transit3 countries1 unscheduled u-turntired daddy.love you.

Languishing in LAX

2006-07-26T14:41:00.000+10:00

Flights organized by the world's most frequent flier, punkin, are designed for one thing, and one thing only, to get you to your destination as quickly as is humanly possible.To feel the invisible red thread of you pulling me home, to cycle through so many sama-sama airports in a single day, its just a journey that takes place in a sense of suspended animation. I lose time on the way back, its

Dancing through Denver

2006-07-26T10:06:00.000+10:00

Colorado, or maybe another planet, who can say. At this point, all the terminals look the same, all the polished surfaces and mandated haste begins to blend into eah other. Everything, punkin, is a copy of a copy of a copy. Another hour and it's on to LAX. Time to go get a taco.Love you,

Matrimonial Madness

2006-07-24T15:17:00.000+10:00

P1020212 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It happened, punkin. And it happened so quickly that it was over before I even realised that it was really going ahead. Your uncle steve and your aunt vanessa tied the knot, after being engaged for considerably longer than you've been alive, in a very moving and very intimate setting. People laughed, people cried, people blew bubbles and I

in transit....

2006-07-20T13:07:00.000+10:00

P1010898 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. you'd like it up there punkin, the clouds look like icecream. there's no bob the builder on the telly tho. i'll see you when i get home.free internet during a layover is manna from heaven.I haven't opened either of my books, or fired up the game playing machine that your uncle harry so kindly lent me yet, i'm saving them for the next

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2006-07-20T10:00:00.000+10:00

Very soon, punkin, I'm going to have to start changing the dates on these posts, as I start to flee eastward across timezones on my way to your uncle's wedding. It's a strange time for me. I'm sitting in the gate lounge at Melbourne Airport, beyond passport control. I'm effectively no longer in Australia, although the beer's still VB, and there's still broad accents all around me. There's another

In sickness and in health

2006-07-08T14:13:00.000+10:00

P1010887 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. People tell you, punkin, that it's horrible when your baby's sick.People tell you that you feel their discomfort with them. People tell you that you wish you could take it all away.I know my mum told me that. Told me that everytime I was sick, she fervently wished that she could take all of my pain and suffering onto herself, to spare me

The Not Very Scary Dragon

2006-07-06T09:07:00.000+10:00

P1010813 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It's thought, punkin, that dragons should be in most, if not all cases, scary.Whilst I'm cognisant of my duty as a father to support you in everything you do, I'm also a stickler for (ok some would say pedant) doing things the right way. And this, punkin, is no way to go about being a dragon.Dragons, according to most popular literature and

Only in the best places

2006-07-03T09:55:00.000+10:00

P1010869Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. When, punkin, one joins one's parents on a shakedown cruise in a new car, there are some fundamental criteria that should be observed.Certainly, should the weather be ever so slightly inclement, then any such drive should include a stop somewhere around the furthest point from home for coffee.And cake.Naturally, when one is deciding where to drop in

Blonk II - The Quickening

2006-07-03T09:13:00.000+10:00

P1010877 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Of course, whenever something old goes, something new arrives to take its place.In this case, when I was thinking about how to replace the blonk, I took a number of factors into account. I drew up a mental list of the things I liked about the blonk, and about the things that I didn't like. At the top of that list was something I'd mentioned to just

Blonktastic

2006-06-30T09:54:00.000+10:00

P1060077 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It is not without some trepidation, punkin, that I venture out to the car dealership today to say goodbye to the blonk.The blönk has served us well. We bought it many years ago, knowing somewhere deep down that you were on the way. The first thing someone said when they saw it was "is Evey pregnant?". People asked that a lot, though, they all knew

Soccer it to me

2006-06-29T13:29:00.000+10:00

P1010831 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It was not, punkin, without our best efforts.You wore your green and gold pyjamas too.

New Beginnings

2006-06-22T13:42:00.000+10:00

P1010792Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. One of the things, punkin, that you will learn in your life is that it's a very strange experience going into a new environment.That each new beginning is a new opportunity to find new friends, to meet new people who share your interests, who will be able to teach you new and exciting things as you move forward in your life. What's more interesting than

Heavy Duty Hiatus

2006-06-15T09:36:00.000+10:00

Good Morning, Pumpkin, it's been a while.There's been a lot going on in the Peeny-Deeny household, but I can't say that I have any substantial excuse for failing to update this little portion of the world wide web.One of the problems with some tasks is that, once you procrastinate for even a short while about completing them, they begin to take on some kind of a weight in your mind, a weight that

Delicate Balancing Act

2006-05-20T14:20:00.000+10:00

P1010701c Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Today, as you well know my punkin, was spent trawling the northern suburbs looking for a house that we want to live in.On the way, your mother and I, with your very special help, made some discoveries and came to some conclusions.The first of which was that we cannot afford the house we want in the location we want. This was not strictly a "today"

Parallell Lines

2006-05-16T19:49:00.000+10:00

There are, it seems, certain similarities to be drawn between the experiences of being a teenager and being a dad. They may not at first seem apparent, but let me draw your attention to a few of them, and lets see if we can't reach an agreement.1. Hair is sprouting in strange places. When you're a teenager, this is a well discussed and fairly obvious side effect of the whole adolescence deal, but

Mothering Son's Day

2006-05-14T08:17:00.000+10:00

P1000584Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It wasn't so long ago, punkin, that I saw Mother's Day as, frankly, a bit of a lark.Sure thing, I thought, get a lie in on a Sunday, breakfast in bed, flowers, chocolates, presents, the whole bit. And this, punkin, this for, well, for practically nothing! I mean, how hard is it to look after a kid??The answer, punkin, is incredibly. And I think that,

Your Journey of A Thousand Leagues, my son,

2006-05-13T14:42:00.000+10:00

Starts Here:Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo SharingI know that I was in my mind prepared for the day when you would take your first steps. I know that I had thought to myself "it will be just like now, only a bit different". I knew that your birthday would represent a change for us, but I don't think I realised that the change would be so sudden and so large. Certainly, you're not about to

Lovely Other Catastrophes

2006-05-10T11:46:00.000+10:00

P1010558 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It's interesting, Brambling, just exactly what being an adult entails. It's interesting as you grow older and discover more and more often how difficult this job can be. I think that the thing that's most difficult, that's really struck me very hard over the last couple of days, has been that there's no let-up.So when, as in the course of general

Presentation Skills

2006-05-04T13:44:00.000+10:00

P1010491Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. One of the things, punkin, that we may not have mentioned on the whole subject of birthdays and such is that, on your birthday, you get presents.Lots of presents.This morning was replete with the rustles of paper and squeals of delight that showcase a successful present opening ceremony. This was, of course, only the first round of gifts that you

Countdown

2006-05-03T20:00:00.000+10:00

Hugging the bump Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. For the rest of your life, kiddo, when you go to sleep on the night before your birthday, you will never be as excited as I was on the night before you were born....Love you.

363 down.

2006-05-02T15:18:00.000+10:00

P1010272Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. I was struck today, while I waited for my bagel and idly window shopped birthday cards, by the strange nature of the annual delineation of the anniversary of one's birth.I remember talking about this before, about the idea that this event happening in two days is not, if one is to be strict about it, your first birthday. Your first birthday (and I

Working for the weekend

2006-04-29T11:37:00.000+10:00

P1010426 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Saturday Morning, punkin. You're up in your highchair gorging on your first ever meal of pancakes and milk, and your mum and I are seriously considering changing out of our pyjamas.You would have been having banana pancakes, but bananas are currently around $20 a kilo, the same price as, say, top quality porterhouse, so they're not a huge item on

Nobody told me there'd be days like these

2006-04-27T21:27:00.000+10:00

P1010348cbwOriginally uploaded by billyjoebob. When you first become a parent, punkin, you firmly believe that you'll face large challenges. You understand that bringing up a child will be the longest, most arduous, most rewarding project of your life. You think long and hard about how you're going to make sure that your child will be given every available chance and opportunity to do well in

Fractured Fairytales

2006-04-23T14:14:00.000+10:00

P1010330 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. For every day that we spend in raptures at your wonderfulness, punkin, for every time we rush to grab the camera and rejoice at your cuteness, there's a day like today.A day that threatens to crush us.We know you're trying really hard to sleep through the night, but it seems like I've been listening to you wail and whine and scream for a full

No Visible Means of Support

2006-04-18T21:05:00.000+10:00

P1010326 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. In your life, punkin, you will have detractors. People will seek to belittle your efforts, and to bring disrepute to your great works.These selfsame people could easily look at this photograph of you standing up and say "ah yes, but he was only standing up for a split second", or that a photograph is no proof that you've joined the rest of your

Easter egg in one hand....

2006-04-16T12:50:00.000+10:00

P1010310 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Hot Cross Bun in the other.THAT'S MY BOY!Love you.

Sock it to me

2006-04-14T10:13:00.000+10:00

P1010260 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It seems somehow fitting, punkin, that as we journey through these final weeks before your birthday, that we start to finally sew up some of the things that we've been trying to sort out for a while.To that end, this easter break for me will revolve around babyproofing the living room, a project that in my case will involve finding a home for the

May the Fourth be with You

2006-04-11T11:11:00.000+10:00

partypartyOriginally uploaded by billyjoebob. People who know you, punkin, should know that you were born on Star Wars day. Despite strong pressure from your father, your name ended up being Bram, rather than the rather more esoteric Wedge Antilles Peeny-Deeny, but yunno, we all have to give in to unrelenting resistance sometimes.A quick glance at a calendar will tell you that the first

Everybody's talking at me

2006-04-10T21:10:00.000+10:00

P1010212 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. With the thought of you talking to me soon, i think that some part of me is sad about the idea that we're going to lose some of the communication that we've been enjoying to date.The looks that pass between us, the sly grins, the cheeky smiles and the flat out guffaws that you emit sometimes drive me wild.I think that it's possible that we'll keep

Standing Ovation?

2006-04-08T08:51:00.000+10:00

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo SharingEDIT: Whilst it's easy to hear Bramble saying "mum" at the end of his great trek across the living room, I feel obliged to point at that he's looking at me while he says it. The sounds that he's making now certainly have identifiable components to them, and often it sounds like he's saying something, but we have yet to see him actually associate a word

One plus One Equals.... ELEVEN!

2006-04-04T13:08:00.000+10:00

P1010114 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. You're eleven months old today, punkin. Looking at you heading off to daycare this morning, clad in your first ever flannel shirt and wearing shoes for the second full day, I'm ready to use words that I last used when speaking of Jerry Garcia. What a long, strange trip it's been.In just these last weeks, I've begun to feel closer to you than ever

Men Without Hats

2006-03-24T11:04:00.000+11:00

P1010118 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Writing on the tram, punkling, is an exercise that everyone in thw world should experience once.It's a journey replete with jerks and shakes, clanging bells and the close proximity of strangers.It isn't betraying any secrets to say that loud noises (that he doesn't have a remote control for) and getting up close and personal with the (in this

Generation Game

2006-03-22T09:16:00.000+11:00

threedadsOriginally uploaded by billyjoebob. This photo, punkin, shows proof positive that good genes will out.The men holding you here are your grandfather and great-grandfather. The three of us are smiling in this photo for several very good reasons.One of which is that, as of this moment, the bar opened.But that's beside the point. The point is that you can see clearly, in this photo, how

likely lads

2006-03-20T16:22:00.000+11:00

bramandbill Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. what a couple of handsome fellas

Humming to the same tune

2006-03-14T11:37:00.000+11:00

P1000753 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. There's no point, punkin, in trying to suggest that there weren't people who poo-pooed the idea that we would be able to get this together.Some people were obviously under the impression that we would be unable to broker a peace accord that would result in the cessation of hostilities in the border skirmish that is the time between 8pm and 6am.But

oh ye of little faith

2006-03-10T10:29:00.000+11:00

P1000584 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. SOME PEOPLE, punkin, didn't think you'd make it.

Arrival of The Junk Food Monster

2006-03-09T20:27:00.000+11:00

P1000722 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Your parents, punkin, are dedicated to the concept of providing you with nutritious and tasty meals on every possible given occasion.Having said that, your parents are also morally obligated to support the local economy wherever possible. It was therefore unfortunately necessary that we this evening procure some of the region's finest in deep fried

Cold Turkey

2006-03-09T12:30:00.000+11:00

P1000699 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. What we've got here, punkin, is a failure to communicate.So we get what we had last night.Which is the way you want it.Well, you gets it.The problem, I think, stems from the fact that you have been, in the past weeks, very very sick. So sick, in fact, that keeping food where it belongs in your tummy was quite outside the realm of your capabilities.

Choppy McChopperson

2006-03-08T10:47:00.000+11:00

P1000683Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. The Peeny-Deeny clan, punkling, including the Kawasakus and other sections thereof, does Not Do Things By Half.We were not, then, therefore, particularly surprised when we realised that there is a specific reason that you've been screaming so much over the last couple of days.On gazing into your bechompered mouth, it becomes obvious that you're

Where were we?

2006-03-01T10:28:00.000+11:00

P1000371 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Ah yes, you and your mother in separate hospitals 400m apart.And you were ensconsed in the short stay ward, under the watchful eyes of Harry and Liz and I was trying to coordinate how to make sure I was spending enough time with both of you.You, punkin, had come off your drip at about 6am, and your mum was recovering well on fluids, and FINALLY

Absent Without Leave

2006-02-28T11:28:00.000+11:00

P1000555Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It's been quite an eventful time, punkin, that's kept your dad away from this blog for so long.Let me try to get it all down for you.It's been over two weeks since I've written anything, but it's all been a bit of a blur. I've often, during that time, thought of this site and my commitment to it. More than once I thought about giving it away entirely

Swiss Family Phlegmmerson

2006-02-15T10:43:00.000+11:00

Maestro!Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It's been a tough week, punkin. Having your grammy and grandad here is fantastic, but it's hard on everyone to make sure that we get time together without changing your routine too much.Your routine, as we have discovered by trying to vary it, is something that needs to be maintained at all possible costs in order to avoid the appearance of The Demon

A Guitar from Grandma

2006-02-14T21:10:00.000+11:00

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Electric Babyland

2006-02-14T11:29:00.000+11:00

P1000532Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Your great-grandmother, punkin, who loves you very very much, has just sent you your very first guitar.In conjunction with your excitement at playing the piano at Fiona's house recently, I can only surmise that your musical talents will fairly closely emulate those of your mother and father.Namely, that your enthusiasm will far outweigh your ability,

Scheduling Conflict

2006-02-10T12:32:00.000+11:00

P1000517Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. 'Twould appear, punkin, that this is the face of an Angel Child.Nothing could be further from the truth.No, let's be fair now, it's not entirely your fault. Well ok if we're going to lay blame on someone let's look at your father.When the nuclear powerplant goes into meltdown, punkin, and they're looking around for the people to blame (aaaah, Tibor),

A contender for what?

2006-02-08T20:26:00.000+11:00

Naturally, being a parent comes at many costs. One of these is losing any semblance of feeling that one has control over one's surroundings or one's schedule.Also, fairly early in the proceedings, you figure out that you don't have any control over your child.It was, then, therefore no real surprise to me to arrive home and find your mother in tears on the couch, holding a not screaming, but

G minus 16 hours

2006-02-08T18:49:00.000+11:00

Grammy is on her way, punkling (and yes, uncle steve, this is the correct aircraft)Your mum and I are laying back and having martinis (this is a total lie, we're frantically tidying the house so that my mum doesn't think that we're complete utter and total slobs).Also, despite the fact that I'm actually on holiday, gigantic worldwide information technology companies don't make strategic go/no go

Kneehigh to a Grasshopper

2006-02-06T22:56:00.000+11:00

P1000514 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Your grammy's getting here in three days, punkin, and I can't get over how much you've changed in the short months since she's been gone.Last time she was here, you were a bundle of joy and happiness, but you weren't yet in a state to interact with people properly. Now you laugh, you giggle, you grin and guffaw. You stand up, you crawl around, you

They call it stormy Monday

2006-02-04T08:12:00.000+11:00

P1050888Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It should be stated first and foremost, punkling, that this photograph represents a mood, rather than an actual atmospheric event. Well that's not entirely true either. This IS an actual photograph, that (from memory) your wonderful and talented mother took while we were down in Apollo Bay late last year.You've been a little bit sick this week, not

so they say

2006-01-28T22:26:00.000+11:00

nightlights Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. "they" say many things, punkin, you will learn this in your life.Among the things they say are these pearls:"all populations exist on a bell curve"and"all's well that ends well"this would lend us to believe that the length of birthday parties should start at a low number and work to a large number and subesquently start to subside again.so it is

Birthday Bonus

2006-01-28T08:11:00.000+11:00

P1000434 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Every dad, punkin, is by definition, lucky.But as old George Orwell so eloquently doesn't put it, some dads are more lucky than others. Some dads, punkin are gifted with people around them who know EXACTLY what they want for their birthday.The wonderful thing about this is that, given your dad's technomalogical skillz (and a very helpful wizard), I

Belated Birthday Bashes

2006-01-27T12:11:00.000+11:00

P1000396Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. So this, then, brambling, is the face of an Australian.Being an Australian is something, in my opinion, of which one should be proud.Lots of people, including many of your close relatives, punkin, have CHOSEN to live in Australia, and indeed to become Australians. You have that honour purely by virtue of being born in Carlton (which is also why you

Straya Day

2006-01-26T18:59:00.000+11:00

P1000400 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It's Australia Day today, bramble.Naturally, in the great tradition of stinking hot Straya Days of the past, it's been too hot to think.Your mum and I spent most of the day huddled around the Kazakhstani airconditioner and watching mediocre television. There was a brief respite of thunderstorm, but not enough to clean the wretched heat from our

Telecommutation Tango

2006-01-24T14:06:00.000+11:00

P1000371 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It's all very well, punkin, to decide that one is going to become a teleworker.It's a remarkably refreshing experience to awaken in the AM and think "I have no meetings today, I don't think I'll go into the office". To decide, punkin, on a whim, that one will wear pyjamas ALL DAY.But there are substantial barriers to entry for this lifestyle choice

Another day in the hothouse

2006-01-21T17:01:00.000+11:00

P1000338Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It's sitting at 39.1 degrees while I write this. (For the benefit of our northern readers, let's do the calculation for them - let's see now, we multiply by nine fifths to get 70.38 and then we add 32 to a grand total of 102.38.It sounds better when it's more than a hundred, I think.It is, in any case, almost too hot to type. My fingers keep slipping

What do you get when you multiply 6 by 9?

2006-01-20T11:06:00.000+11:00

P1070430 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It's been hot here this week, punkin. This photo was taken on the way up to the wedding in the country, but the fact stands that it's very very warm.It was 35 yesterday, and it's 35 again today. The weekend's not going to cool down any, and our planned picnic on Sunday has had to be moved to an indoor setting so as to avoid the likely !! 41 !!

Tagged!

2006-01-19T11:57:00.000+11:00

P1000287Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Well, well, punkling, we've been tagged by Kathy.Here goes.What were you doing 10 years ago?10 years ago, punkin, in January of 1996, your ever hard-working dad was working full time (I think, my memory's a bit hazy but I bet your Grammy knows) running the gift shop at a brewery in Maine. This was, for a 21 year old Australian boy, the greatest job

Homeward Bound

2006-01-16T18:15:00.000+11:00

P1000298c Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Whilst you were happy, I think, to spend the day whiling away the hours at the Casa Du Childcare, it's a massive relief to have you home with us.The lovely Toni was kind enough to keep what they call a "communication booklet", that essentially gives us a report on your first day at childcare. There are, my pumpkin, no surprises here.16/1/06Dear

Big Wide World

2006-01-16T10:19:00.000+11:00

P1000232cOriginally uploaded by billyjoebob. It was with a trembling heart, bramble, that I dropped you off at childcare this morning.I was ok last night, when your mum was running around trying to make sure that we had packed everything bar the kitchen sink and half of the contents of your wardrobe including a four litre bottle of baby panadol and seventeen changes of clothes.I was ok this

Bananananananana!

2006-01-12T11:06:00.000+11:00

... P1000152 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. We appear, punkin, to have figured out the whole food thing with you.In a move that has surprised no-one who knows either of your parents, we've already established to a large extent that you are an ... independent child. A child who, whilst he will consider the suggested course of action, will invariably take such advice on its individual

Cameraderie

2006-01-09T17:59:00.000+11:00

P1000065 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. The new camera arrived, punkin, and in a continuation of this astonishing run of luck, it arrived a day earlier than it should have. Naturally, like many of your particular demographic, it wasn't so much the esoteric electronica that interested you.No, in this particular instance, rather than in the thousands of dollars of photomagraphical

Incarceratory Inquiry

2006-01-08T13:14:00.000+11:00

P1070614c Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. Your grandmother, punkin, who loves you very much, has asked me about these photos in which you appear to be caged like some wild animal.Let's be perfectly frank about this. Your "baby cage" (or playpen, as some would have it) is a perfectly designed environment for your enjoyment. It's been crafted so as to keep the kid in and the dogs out. It's

The best ants are insoorants

2006-01-06T13:36:00.000+11:00

So, my darling punkin, after your dad spent a fruitful few hours on the phone this morning, and things are moving apace.After some very helpful assistance from Mary at RACV, our claim was validated and actioned while I was talking to her, and the supplier was informed of the order immediately and electronically.Subsequent discussions with said supplier were fruitful, and within MINUTES, punkin, a

The last post & Chorus

2006-01-05T20:34:00.000+11:00

It is a truism, plumpkin, that bad things happen to good people and vice versa.I therefore hope fervently that something vaguely to particularly unpleasant happens to the person who just stole our camera.I understand that they probably need the money, and that they probably already have a fairly unsatisfactory life, but to my mind that doesn't give them the excuse to take what's not theirs. I am

1,2,3,4,5,6,7...... EIGHT!

2006-01-05T17:55:00.000+11:00

P1070622c Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. So this is what it has come to, Brambling. Yesterday you turned eight months old.There's a lexicon somewhere of all the cliches, I'm sure of it. A weighty tome that says things like "You grew up so fast, but I never saw it", and "You're not a baby anymore, you're almost a little boy", but those words, punkling, have already been written.I would

Ave an Avo!

2005-12-30T19:03:00.000+11:00

P1070403 Originally uploaded by billyjoebob. It seems the boy likes avocado.More later, when the temperature drops below the imperial century. It's too hot to think.