Red Heads

Christmas 2010

We got back last night from a Hoare Clan Christmas. There was around 32 people all staying between four houses near the beach for the week. What I love about the Hoare’s are my cousins. It’s always great to catch up with them. Of the nine cousins six of us were redhead kids. Two have since gone brown and one has little hair left. This leaves just three true Rangas. Luckily two of my kids carry on the Hoare red tradition. My gran apologised when my son was born a red head, I on the other hand was delighted. It was extra special that day as the midwife was also a red head. Bring on the redheaded grand kids

Liam and I Sept 2007

Liam the Lion

What a fabulous flamboyant colour. Red hair is easy to spot in a crowd and makes a unique human. I’m a true red head. Redness was character building as a kid. I learnt to receive a tease, have a giggle and serve it back. Wishy washy redhead matchstick was the better of the nicknames whereas spaghetti head was horrid. Bluey (geez they’re colour blind), firey, ginger, rusty, ranga… I like the name ranga. Orangutans are gorgeous animals which I’m glad to be associated with.

Did you know that a red head can say hello to another red head in the street. We have shared a special bond growing up with the unique colour. It’s a bit like how dog walkers say hello to other dog walkers and people pushing prams say hello to other pram pushers. I’m always happy to smile and chat with another ranga.

Fiery Red Head Jokes

Q What’s the difference between a terrorist and a redhead?
A You can negotiate with a terrorist

Q How do you start an argument with a redhead?
A Say something

Q How do you know when a redhead has been using a computer?

A There is a hammer embedded in the monitor.

Q How do you know when your red head has forgiven you?

A She stops washing your clothes in the toilet.

Ha ha ha. I don’t have a temper- ask my hubby : )

Red Head Day (Roodharigendag in Dutch) at the city of Breda in the Netherlands. Wish I was there with them. No idea who owns this photo but its brilliant

Christmas Craft

Schools out and home came the craft. I love it!!!

How cute is this paper plate Christmas pudding

What about the reindeer paper bag

This pottery self-image of Isaac is priceless

Merry Christmas All

Silly season

The silly season has taken over and is destroying my PhD focus. Hmm cooking, planning, shopping and organising etc is so much more important than statistics. The kids finished school yesterday and today the in-laws arrived. I've got no hope to refocus. Just take a look at the toy room which needs to be clean in two days for one of the many visitors to sleep in...Where’s the magic gene lamp when I need one?

Death via email and gingerbread

Do you get that overwhelming reality that your email box is overflowing? I spent last night watching telly and deleting emails. Over 200 were deleted or moved in just one night. Only 100 more to go. Is there an easy solution anyone out there? I get emails from two uni's due to being a remote student. I have a social email with Gmail and my various work email addresses. Last night was devoted just to the work email. I notice some people claim they only check their emails three times a day. What a luxury to actually let your brain think about when to check. I choose that one around when the kids allow me (nicely tucked away in bed, care or with toys). Maybe email, facebook and blogging have delayed the PhD finish date. Sitting at home alone writing this thesis is a rather solo adventure. I need the virtual world of social interaction. I just need to contain the time it takes.

On a more fun note today is 1 Dec. Its time to put the Christmas tree up. The kids are so excited. Isaac and I baked gingerbread today. We even iced them. Can't do that in email land. I love "Mum day" as Isaac calls it. Its when the juggle is devoted to a whole day with Isaac. Its the current secret to juggling kids with a PhD. Two days a week are kiddy days, three PhD, weekends are for the family and nights are for email, blogging, TV, romance and sleeping. Question is how long will the gingerbread last...