What a week!

What a week I have had! There is a bit to catch up on so I'll do a quick update chaos notes style, and then we can resume normal programming. Ready? Lets go!



Variety of Chefs Ball 2014.
Every year Variety the Children's Charity hold the Variety of Chefs Ball, where 10 amazing chefs donate their time and showcase their talents to raise money for a combined focus. Last Wednesday I went along to the media preview to find out what this years focus is, and to my delight they have chosen Assistance Dogs. Assistance Dogs are trained to each individuals needs, and as you might imagine it costs a bit to do so. Variety have committed to sponsoring ten dogs through the training, and that is ten lives changed forever. As well as tasting some of the amazing food that will be on offer at the ball, there where three Assistance Dogs to cuddle, and one of them was very happy to show us how clever he was: turning the light on and off, picking credit cards and coins off the floor (even I have trouble with that!) and opening a cupboard to collect a toy and take it to someone else. I can see how an Assistance Dog will make a massive difference to someone's quality of life. If you would like to attend the ball (and who wouldn't?) here are the details of how you can go.



Hospital Again
If you have been following my pity party on facebook and Instagram, you will know that I've been in hospital again. Quick recap: Early March I underwent surgery for two large abdominal hernias. Two weeks later I had developed a Seroma (fluid collection) on the surgery site that needed to be aspirated (sucked out) and a week later an even bigger Seroma came back, requiring the insertion of a drain (a gross looking little bag that sucks fluid out of my body through a long tube. I've been hiding it in my pants.) Last Thursday the drain was due to come out, but on Tuesday I started feeling very sick. While cuddling Assistance dogs and scarfing down Luke Mangans Smoked Salmon pillows, I needed to have a sit down and a glass of water, the whole time thinking how mortifying it would be if I was to vomit, because it would be no reflection on poor Mr Mangan. Thank heavens I didn't! That afternoon I went to the ER with fever induced chills (new word: Rigor. To flop around like a fish with your teeth chattering uncontrollably) My drain had become infected! They replaced the drain and after a lot of strong IV antibiotics and I was finally released on Monday night, when they decided I could take the antibiotics in tablet form. Lucky, because my veins had burnt out and I'd run out of places to put a Cannula. Ahh, fun times! I've been a bit overwhelmed at the outpouring of well wishes from everyone, so thank you so much for being the light of friendship in a bit of a dark time.




Kidspot Voices of 2014
The main reason for my in hospital pity party was due to me missing out on a weekend in Sydney. I had organised to fly down (sans kids, what a luxury!) and attend the Voices of 2014 Masterclass and Gala Launch. Because Hello! By some miracle I have made it to the top 100! The top 30 in my category!! (Can you hear my voice go up a few pitches when I squeak that out?) I've been nominated in the Personal and Parenting category and am beyond thrilled and honoured to be included in such an esteemed group of bloggers. When VO2014 emailed me I actually asked them if there had been a mistake, because I tend to think I trundle along on my own little blog journey, and I still am astonished that other people read my blog let alone take notice.





Dumpling Queen
While in Sydney I'd also planned on catching up with old friends, some quality time with my sister and a lone visit to Eveleigh St Markets to gorge on Kylie Kwong's Dumplings. I've been following her on instagram and facebook for ages, and if you at all love dumplings you should follow this dumpling porn too. I sent her a note on facebook saying how dissapointed I was that I couldn't be there, that I was a big fan and maybe one day I would get to enjoy some KK dumplings for myself, and she replied back! Honestly, I was so excited that she would take a moment to reply and it really cheered me up. All hail the Dumpling Queen!





Be Kind to Yourself
On my first day of freedom I couldn't wait to head out to Chermside Westfield. I took it easy and was careful not to overtire myself, but I needed to get amongst the land of the living and seek out some TLC. Mr BC took the Monkeys to see The Lego Movie, while teenage daughter and I cruised around the mall, buying things here and there. There is nothing like a week of nurses and doctors pulling your duds down to make you realise you need new underwear, and maybe even new pyjamas! I got myself to the Jurlique counter and got some Herbal Recovery Elixir to sooth my tired skin, and then I bought a gorgeous green bracelet to replace the hospital one. Mostly I just enjoyed hanging out with my beautiful family, even when they did steal my coffee!



So that's me, what have you been up to?

xx