tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32606538977787546572024-03-18T11:07:11.777+11:00A LOT OF LITTLE BITS OF LOVEMelissa Fletcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03429482737378146590noreply@blogger.comBlogger932125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-54182673710938519902024-02-26T22:09:00.003+11:002024-02-26T22:19:04.122+11:00Four Somethings February <p style="text-align: center;">I thought this Blog Hop would be a good way to reflect back on the month that was as well as meeting new people. This blog hop is run by Jennifer and can be <a href="https://all4boys.blogspot.com/2024/02/february-share-4-somethings.html" target="_blank">found here..</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://all4boys.blogspot.com/2024/02/february-share-4-somethings.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFuHGNAS_Qke3C69s5Y-L2NVFKn4wELSirYa1VQFvucoxbgmDxiJntebrRr2rFy85m_dqfpWWHDWle88kKaVwA-82VwJGNWTgS9mEogx3juVtFpV7wFuu6B47WveSQMH3UeXdZ2s_dAu4ryP2PQsevAi8kxHB1JluUk4gndlEgrlNRQmeS3Cl72wIcXTk=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">Something Improved Upon</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's start with this one this month! Something improved upon this month/year has been the way I work in my role at work. This month I went into my third year with Western Health as their Aboriginal Health Service Liaison. I love my job and work closely with Aboriginal Community members and elders whom have chronic health conditions. I do outreach work as well as run Social and Emotional well-being programs including a for-nightly yarning circle and weekly swim and gym program. I work every day except Mondays (Long weekends every weekend) but sometimes it can feel like a full-time job. I took on a lot the last three years and my ambitious nature had me feeling pretty worn down at this time last year. So I am improving my work ethic this year, planning programs in advance and cutting my daily client ratio in half. Last year I was working after hours and always felt behind in my book work although I wasn't so this year I have halved my daily clients for a more cruisier work lifestyle. It's also given my clients more time with me and I feel I can be a better listener not having to rush them for my next meeting, phone call or home visit. Here is a look at our program for the next few months.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuHIeAMP0K-Uck2qoffBkgkJBFRmbDHv6KirKQJJ3SgcZ_o8_OlmsNkJXcqD-Spuo6xKTzW9sOUXFKWHRtLqFsLvFmD0HujxLSXlWTjiP1lNOFkAB7g2lwFW6tcuwQxnNV76jvo5eEGSwdYJtC4c7KdDDCjW70iqpyKEpWpOATPgudtAncciIue2XAEl4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuHIeAMP0K-Uck2qoffBkgkJBFRmbDHv6KirKQJJ3SgcZ_o8_OlmsNkJXcqD-Spuo6xKTzW9sOUXFKWHRtLqFsLvFmD0HujxLSXlWTjiP1lNOFkAB7g2lwFW6tcuwQxnNV76jvo5eEGSwdYJtC4c7KdDDCjW70iqpyKEpWpOATPgudtAncciIue2XAEl4=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Something I have Loved</h4><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This month I have loved spending time with my David. Our blog has taken off and is receiving comments and clicks regularly. We have been on a ghost tour, visited a Sunflower field and the Monopoly tourist attraction in Melbourne. We have enjoyed a few nights away too. I have loved our adventures so far and the thought that goes into each. Check out the <a href="https://fivehundreddates.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog here..</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzuT_9WrhTL2nVQBtvoLPx2qWRYU9GqmWgp2mEzTmQk7EURY6Otdkj44EB9lbiA_Rac8ETjF04-tZ73RcfamnpK7INk2riFQUwsu9QSxJaXHHTfn9F5xRHUi9OTrm_fzYWEv-pfFmvJ8dsYovDurHlVyqQcrVo5ANqsqzPh6_aTwH3yO7yEmDpvT8OAo/s2048/429317167_2148288072169874_1507045627910398218_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzuT_9WrhTL2nVQBtvoLPx2qWRYU9GqmWgp2mEzTmQk7EURY6Otdkj44EB9lbiA_Rac8ETjF04-tZ73RcfamnpK7INk2riFQUwsu9QSxJaXHHTfn9F5xRHUi9OTrm_fzYWEv-pfFmvJ8dsYovDurHlVyqQcrVo5ANqsqzPh6_aTwH3yO7yEmDpvT8OAo/w400-h225/429317167_2148288072169874_1507045627910398218_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkqT4LnzuYcy9dbsaBumaIqHW-tIkU3-wEJ3VyK1LAeGqzc4_9TUGtytEjnmHYIiZSUPOfUXTZWvg2MYSS1ISmkGuyiRkfgpSXBMeQ6Lfh7BxYfsMtQZwtBwPkrlvza-m-zj2axHkCiCB1yJjlE3y3d7mwCjBdC31DvPn0XFGPFCZg0DF177c2Oj4H0c/s2048/429312586_916045566867175_8361282778412004637_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkqT4LnzuYcy9dbsaBumaIqHW-tIkU3-wEJ3VyK1LAeGqzc4_9TUGtytEjnmHYIiZSUPOfUXTZWvg2MYSS1ISmkGuyiRkfgpSXBMeQ6Lfh7BxYfsMtQZwtBwPkrlvza-m-zj2axHkCiCB1yJjlE3y3d7mwCjBdC31DvPn0XFGPFCZg0DF177c2Oj4H0c/w400-h225/429312586_916045566867175_8361282778412004637_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Something accomplished</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well I'm actually excited to announce this. David, Jie, Nevaeh and I are all working and/or studying. David has been in his role now for 9 months which he enjoys and is training the new guy. He is awaiting the next step to work for Metro which is one of his goals. My son Jiedyn, now 18yo is studying year 12 at a school in North Melbourne, is working 2 jobs, goes to the gym in his spare time and is focused on his health. My Daughter Nevaeh attended her first day at her new school in Ballarat this week and enjoys time one-on-one with her youth worker through Melton Youth Services. I had a work appraisal last week and my manager is happy with my growth within the organisation and has given me new opportunities to improve my skills especially in finance. I have my own office in Bacchus Marsh and work from Melton once a week now also. I am so proud of where we're all at in our lives, all working towards better future for ourselves. It feels good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Something I have Noticed</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Three things I've noticed this month are, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1) Our socks seem to be going missing and is the most whinged about thing in this house which is annoying especially because I buy 10-15 pairs at a time for David, Jie and Nevaeh to share. I think I'll need to put in a new order. But I'd still like to know where all the missing socks are!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2) Everyone in the house has been contributing without me having to ask with the chores. I have a daily checklist on the fridge including feeding the pets, dishes, washing a load of washing, watering the plants etc. But it's the things not listed that David and the kids have been doing lately that has been making my heart sing. Like taking the bins out as soon as they're full, sweeping the kitchen and refilling the toilet paper in the toilet. Now, if they can just leave the toilet paper on the toilet roll holder and not on the floor, I would be the happiest mother in Bacchus Marsh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and 3) Our bedtimes routines are all working well at the moment and everyone is up for when they need to be up for school and work. This is a biggie in our house especially when our schedules change as both kids are gamers and movie buffs and so any extra time they get goes on their screens. Hot nights throw out Davids sleep schedule and my binging on Netflix and now Disney+ had been known to throw out mine. We don't really have bedtimes, its each of our own responsibility to get enough sleep for ourselves and so far so good. Very proud of us all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Overall its been a really good month, I'm not allowing others negativity to bring me down and the absolute highlight was my valentines day gift from David..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLN1EciEXDNrQFuOunY72KdoFZKgRRnV4-qpsOGzsqf_O0oNRl4davmWRj_1Jzggej5ZipZk7o-lmbNDnHv2acYF25ULkgYO1X0mRqSOsDQfVwIgJx1wHndip3Z5uQpiVskdnhf7Hxm7sGdpV35fWlq0QWMeIXuJCgytm4bdbgzjCJiCzXKsZ9Lk4w1Dg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLN1EciEXDNrQFuOunY72KdoFZKgRRnV4-qpsOGzsqf_O0oNRl4davmWRj_1Jzggej5ZipZk7o-lmbNDnHv2acYF25ULkgYO1X0mRqSOsDQfVwIgJx1wHndip3Z5uQpiVskdnhf7Hxm7sGdpV35fWlq0QWMeIXuJCgytm4bdbgzjCJiCzXKsZ9Lk4w1Dg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">My first ever gold bracelet <3</div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-31753569087374184492024-01-29T19:55:00.001+11:002024-02-26T21:02:23.580+11:00Four Somethings January<p style="text-align: center;">I thought this Blog Hop would be a good way to reflect back on the month that was, get back into the groove of blogging again - as well as meeting new people!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">Something I disliked this Month</h4><div style="text-align: center;">So I came into this month with a plan to save this year for a trip overseas BUT I am yet to put any money away as yet as bills have piled in including a bill from back in September when our Unregistered Dog got out leading to a $700 fine in total. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Something Improved Upon</h4><div style="text-align: center;">David and I have come into this month/year with a clearer idea of what we both want and need in life and in our relationship. From April last year one could say our relationship was a shit show. David was seeing and speaking to two of his Ex's behind my back, suggesting that we have an open relationship and at one point he even took Marriage off the table altogether. My goal as my children are getting older and because I had them so young, is to travel and soon. Chronic Health in Indigenous people like myself are known to start in our 40s and I'm already 35yo. This is very real for me and my family both of may parents and grand parents haven't lived over 54yo. I'd like to be able to travel while I am still healthy enough to enjoy it so after much conversations David most likely wont be travelling with me (unless its by boat) and I'm becoming okay with that. We did separate on two occasions last year but the space and time away from each other I feel only validated how much we wanted to be together and solidified our relationship to what it is today. This year we are taking more control of our finances, prioritizing each others wants and needs and focusing on our individual goals. Definitely an improvement from how we were living before.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Something Noticed </h4><div style="text-align: center;">Some time off over Christmas gave David and I some much needed one-on-one time. It gave me a chance to notice the subtle things he does for me without me even realizing. Like the way he makes my bed when I get up, does the dishes just in time for me to cook dinner after work. Like the way he puts my phone on charge when he leaves for work so I get up to my alarm and massages me throughout the day with photos of the different trucks he drives and trains he catches. Last year while we were going through our hardest days I focused on all the things he wasn't doing and how lonely I felt. At that time I needed him to buy me flowers, love on me and show me he still loved me. But what I noticed was that David loves so differently to me. His strengths include being with me, gifting me with his time and presence. He makes me feel loved with physical touch and acts of service. My need for words of affirmations and gifts were making me feel as if he didn't love me as much as I loved him but I have since realized that my strength of communication and giving nature is not who David is. Davids act of service love language has him cooking roasts on Sundays, planning weekly dates and checking things of our family chore checklist before I even get home from work. Last Sunday he completed everything off the checklist while I slept the afternoon away. I'm noticing the love he does have for me in the things he does to make my little life easier and I love him for that.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Something Loved</h4><div style="text-align: center;">I kept the best for last. I have loved creating this new space for David and I to share our Date experiences on <a href="https://fivehundreddates.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">our new blog</a> we are doing together. It's nothing fancy, just two people dating and sharing what we enjoyed and didnt enjoy about our experiences. As we know a lot of people have stopped blogging these days so I have created a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fivehundreddates/" target="_blank">FB page for followers and friends</a> whom don't blog to stay up to date and be inspired. We have a goal of never stopping dating with the goal of 500 dates. Both David and I loved dating and when we stopped we found life repetitive and boring. Dates bring excitement and new conversation and unity as a couple. Three things we both crave in our relationship. We have bought a <a href="https://www.temu.com/au/1pc-100-scratch-off-lottery-posters-scratch-off-lottery-list-posters-couple-date-wall-stickers-photo-frame-cover-room-decoration-adult-birthday-gifts-valentines-day-gifts-g-601099527937124.html?top_gallery_url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.kwcdn.com%2Fproduct%2FFancyalgo%2FVirtualModelMatting%2Fba2a6d2e77352c8f35fe0ef8db391207.jpg&spec_gallery_id=2065299833&refer_page_sn=15498&refer_source=0&freesia_scene=2&_oak_freesia_scene=2&_oak_rec_ext_1=Nzg5&refer_page_el_sn=223143&_x_vst_scene=adg&_x_ads_channel=google&_x_ads_sub_channel=search&_x_ads_account=9771665378&_x_ads_set=21036794397&_x_ads_id=162728631561&_x_ads_creative_id=691528405371&_x_ns_source=g&_x_ns_gclid=CjwKCAiAivGuBhBEEiwAWiFmYUu4-VHZoPofAe9csXFxiFyw02XJUFWZxr2haQCFfPuJ1LMY1tGrCBoCMCEQAvD_BwE&_x_ns_placement=&_x_ns_match_type=b&_x_ns_ad_position=&_x_ns_product_id=&_x_ns_target=&_x_ns_devicemodel=&_x_ns_wbraid=Cj8KCQiA5-uuBhDpARIuAOz2_TkABbVGKIxvbcscX0ITBTdEMPbQyd4SbMI6d-GiqErlvkYQaBt6GYpC4RoCNDU&_x_ns_gbraid=0AAAAAo4mICEltc_qSedSAXHTsorNHWylw&_x_ns_keyword=100%20dates%20scratch-off%20poster&_x_ns_targetid=kwd-1432478161664&_x_ns_extensionid=&refer_page_name=kuiper&refer_page_id=15498_1708941297377_fdnhhj3ob1&_x_sessn_id=e3v02podnw" target="_blank">100 date Bucket List poster</a> that is on our bedroom wall in which he and I can look to when planning new dates. I am loving the time together, the new experiences, the fun we have and ending our weeks on a high! Intentional loving on the one we love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Four Somethings 2024 is hosted by Jennifer and can be <a href="https://all4boys.blogspot.com/2024/01/share-4-somethings-edition-one-of-2024.html" target="_blank">found here..</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://all4boys.blogspot.com/2024/01/share-4-somethings-edition-one-of-2024.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFuHGNAS_Qke3C69s5Y-L2NVFKn4wELSirYa1VQFvucoxbgmDxiJntebrRr2rFy85m_dqfpWWHDWle88kKaVwA-82VwJGNWTgS9mEogx3juVtFpV7wFuu6B47WveSQMH3UeXdZ2s_dAu4ryP2PQsevAi8kxHB1JluUk4gndlEgrlNRQmeS3Cl72wIcXTk=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-48681592777983417462023-08-08T07:38:00.001+10:002024-02-05T17:18:04.960+11:00My 35th Birthday Month<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicxshdITsiv2YvtjTm0oom4blaEGyV2AOeHvhV7xunJcIdplDUYOkNKCtzvp3YmkMWdw_yfDihtprUmQC7oECRA6j1NetuPYiiVeTLgzDYgElVkDFaKBSqkKI8wqzRhn8MwoTKE8DKzx80nTjlF36P6j04GRXlBlLXseogdHSSdYQAi7hV-CQdiguTZus" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicxshdITsiv2YvtjTm0oom4blaEGyV2AOeHvhV7xunJcIdplDUYOkNKCtzvp3YmkMWdw_yfDihtprUmQC7oECRA6j1NetuPYiiVeTLgzDYgElVkDFaKBSqkKI8wqzRhn8MwoTKE8DKzx80nTjlF36P6j04GRXlBlLXseogdHSSdYQAi7hV-CQdiguTZus=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>The first weekend of July I spent the night out with my Daughter attending the Western NAIDOC BALL at Tabcorp Park. <div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9pNXl19ZNmMr_0OQpuA7cO0WG3tcZO18mzd4OtzIyvk8-seSc10DqTOiPohnJmi_pA2ZmZBaNk_otOiGzx94SxLTtmUJLAVRXgQNO76kzGyxuWDtRuQw7SzkH1Khl7Oy_m9uUKhl3YcOltUrIq-m0gooiX7qo51xXI8mb9Ek7YMleId6uz90qhaGhfEw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="180" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9pNXl19ZNmMr_0OQpuA7cO0WG3tcZO18mzd4OtzIyvk8-seSc10DqTOiPohnJmi_pA2ZmZBaNk_otOiGzx94SxLTtmUJLAVRXgQNO76kzGyxuWDtRuQw7SzkH1Khl7Oy_m9uUKhl3YcOltUrIq-m0gooiX7qo51xXI8mb9Ek7YMleId6uz90qhaGhfEw=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;">The second weekend David and I went to the footy on the Friday night and surprisingly David had booked a four star hotel on the east side for a night of luxury. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ucEr90gmCCXY1Mr4AChY2Q20CvOaFO8ewh-ddT8mX_dEEgQommA8YwavtMDplmkoIu9F_LzhPNqBePXVOHenh2Z7Zsxs8zDXy9yHxD26WPxrH6wGBhOOcWKZqKQxN8SmTAJ8DFIDvoFgP5uyWxWgM-q_IxzFHPaifMndEpR34hf49PWGwk0W1fRkX3Y/s2048/422657664_1036771404096309_7143462500587730425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ucEr90gmCCXY1Mr4AChY2Q20CvOaFO8ewh-ddT8mX_dEEgQommA8YwavtMDplmkoIu9F_LzhPNqBePXVOHenh2Z7Zsxs8zDXy9yHxD26WPxrH6wGBhOOcWKZqKQxN8SmTAJ8DFIDvoFgP5uyWxWgM-q_IxzFHPaifMndEpR34hf49PWGwk0W1fRkX3Y/w640-h480/422657664_1036771404096309_7143462500587730425_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div></div><div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLmBImriSJlnwHEeKaVnxeV2rUAFvhgvJ6HTI5tc7tT-1JliY6_25FdHq5I59nIGTbQMv5Nw4Q99zt07X1YiTrr-zTAVD9hIB0HhU6YheHLKHSdl_qtBZ_E5ampn0RIeCjk2hmMNFh4YEem2zo9t9HEv2f-Vaw162wbVcmIoafXP_3v40JuH2MyDy10Fo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLmBImriSJlnwHEeKaVnxeV2rUAFvhgvJ6HTI5tc7tT-1JliY6_25FdHq5I59nIGTbQMv5Nw4Q99zt07X1YiTrr-zTAVD9hIB0HhU6YheHLKHSdl_qtBZ_E5ampn0RIeCjk2hmMNFh4YEem2zo9t9HEv2f-Vaw162wbVcmIoafXP_3v40JuH2MyDy10Fo=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div>The weekend after my birthday, David and Jie drove to the florist and the cheesecake shop to buy two of my favourite things for my birthday. </div><div><br /></div><div>I woke up Saturday morning to a beautiful bunch of flowers thoughtfully chosen and put together by my partner David. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then David and the kids sung happy birthday to me before we all enjoyed Black Forest cake in bed.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gm7MESc3ZPMa_QQdsbHjHkdLYx1ZVggivhBYfQesCFXnsqjnuoq61QAGBko6YJyq8ZuIwB5OyPmmQuXD9_-UcLfBDk3C7EFxHK6gZPZOx59pVqra4G7wNJczbvR1tb2ofyFltly3lGeABSbzpPqvA4673KGFjepbkm_CaiB4oPcpAKoTR5vfyJzaNHs/s2048/422859090_279817334907225_1676044271125610031_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gm7MESc3ZPMa_QQdsbHjHkdLYx1ZVggivhBYfQesCFXnsqjnuoq61QAGBko6YJyq8ZuIwB5OyPmmQuXD9_-UcLfBDk3C7EFxHK6gZPZOx59pVqra4G7wNJczbvR1tb2ofyFltly3lGeABSbzpPqvA4673KGFjepbkm_CaiB4oPcpAKoTR5vfyJzaNHs/w360-h640/422859090_279817334907225_1676044271125610031_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div>And on the last weekend of July we enjoyed an intimate night at a spa hotel just us two.</div><div><br /></div><div>My birthday month was full of fun and surprises and thoughtful gifts and friends and love and good food and great times. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thankful to all whom made this year a good one! </div></div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAqJEQqwyU3pbza69Y3Lg0kQW5dMc8P5W5lr3cCzcaogNu5XZlv2vwfHRs_YkEJ2DcDTmYwG0AEeZ5rxMO-hOjlrAE8Saz9pjASGHB8qYJU8GbFP4bnzS9hZ7qCnUh93AMYdRPNvDq6lTF5cUe26fcbC9LehW6jafbtz0RL9tJwhx7j3GjueltDRLCiM/s2048/422495701_415892990879181_8697308674321306696_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAqJEQqwyU3pbza69Y3Lg0kQW5dMc8P5W5lr3cCzcaogNu5XZlv2vwfHRs_YkEJ2DcDTmYwG0AEeZ5rxMO-hOjlrAE8Saz9pjASGHB8qYJU8GbFP4bnzS9hZ7qCnUh93AMYdRPNvDq6lTF5cUe26fcbC9LehW6jafbtz0RL9tJwhx7j3GjueltDRLCiM/w640-h480/422495701_415892990879181_8697308674321306696_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAoe937F_Y0gnDFy09Ulez6df6wkfC-uTe34P2frnDGNDcP4nJsVW43FRzZDH13eVHz7w3wIhU8qm3vuhebTxkDXkS_wDhW9ZSziHKQBLU_7cuchW1PBlFzYM-vOdSS2pDGwr2jJRltEsOSFmN5ziCGv8hsCwLdQNZ0XYxB2Ck86RAqliEFoScO0ZHZQ/s2048/422882015_798684982304424_1911682869787399911_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAoe937F_Y0gnDFy09Ulez6df6wkfC-uTe34P2frnDGNDcP4nJsVW43FRzZDH13eVHz7w3wIhU8qm3vuhebTxkDXkS_wDhW9ZSziHKQBLU_7cuchW1PBlFzYM-vOdSS2pDGwr2jJRltEsOSFmN5ziCGv8hsCwLdQNZ0XYxB2Ck86RAqliEFoScO0ZHZQ/w640-h480/422882015_798684982304424_1911682869787399911_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-47092586030995441512023-08-06T18:33:00.000+10:002023-08-06T18:33:08.322+10:0035 years of Me!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCNpbuXJIeU_INHQXAx3bs-nQS8PwSlbZN4JejkvIJrhEnA0gdGU_ZTx3J76TXPYWrBKcVOpcbBh-PaoVgfSi36hDXtY73OtePpgO8F_4OOMWEDROxcqIYYgWovO6RP8KY8kpUnRhxHyQcvAKvoISMFXrdyx6XRwqTY2kaPvw6Z3AdLDBorVO4xsJGlEA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCNpbuXJIeU_INHQXAx3bs-nQS8PwSlbZN4JejkvIJrhEnA0gdGU_ZTx3J76TXPYWrBKcVOpcbBh-PaoVgfSi36hDXtY73OtePpgO8F_4OOMWEDROxcqIYYgWovO6RP8KY8kpUnRhxHyQcvAKvoISMFXrdyx6XRwqTY2kaPvw6Z3AdLDBorVO4xsJGlEA=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLCRfdMIwGlYDflulcCUayU6h9kDy3gL_rVN-FguMncPDbte4e7KN9C_UPgnLRZDHcs8h1ZvagCIqx3r7XclPKZqB-mZhdNIRha1snbMAFyxC1GKvg541g4hpZeoVMfkQLN_naQ-Bkyqs8mJmkeKqnR8RB6s_OIGbg9K0w8S62KrwGsnlJ71smwiYT9tM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLCRfdMIwGlYDflulcCUayU6h9kDy3gL_rVN-FguMncPDbte4e7KN9C_UPgnLRZDHcs8h1ZvagCIqx3r7XclPKZqB-mZhdNIRha1snbMAFyxC1GKvg541g4hpZeoVMfkQLN_naQ-Bkyqs8mJmkeKqnR8RB6s_OIGbg9K0w8S62KrwGsnlJ71smwiYT9tM=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAElsUrq_iwccgYVqV2qFznpuRBPdXo87DU0o7aE9Hch6vh-enFap39-5va1Y-m9y9HOv14PNdEI-fEvjarpNdb_4GczwwO5zKAoYwvkryETDwOa-VcQNWx1kAaNBxlbASY1VrKGSvD4565mgI90EIcyzY6KA2v1UqUwFA9QUzMeJTM2iEQYuqoYbiBTA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAElsUrq_iwccgYVqV2qFznpuRBPdXo87DU0o7aE9Hch6vh-enFap39-5va1Y-m9y9HOv14PNdEI-fEvjarpNdb_4GczwwO5zKAoYwvkryETDwOa-VcQNWx1kAaNBxlbASY1VrKGSvD4565mgI90EIcyzY6KA2v1UqUwFA9QUzMeJTM2iEQYuqoYbiBTA=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-7zie32eh9Afo59_UPN5ZXiuQd-ZkpjMv5YVwYSR1xkF12qSBjOflpyLuuCfr6FO01XSnGGV49jJ-Rph6b9Ub1IpJ7ZVH21moGQbX4vmmHJmQGIGFDye8wBsQC9tnKGyJb9f6I7nbKBVptvNcCISQK7RSO-JqK6uhtfUZZJBzwcPq6ncMzRfG5FqSPqY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-7zie32eh9Afo59_UPN5ZXiuQd-ZkpjMv5YVwYSR1xkF12qSBjOflpyLuuCfr6FO01XSnGGV49jJ-Rph6b9Ub1IpJ7ZVH21moGQbX4vmmHJmQGIGFDye8wBsQC9tnKGyJb9f6I7nbKBVptvNcCISQK7RSO-JqK6uhtfUZZJBzwcPq6ncMzRfG5FqSPqY=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGV4OLRUrV_OuFyw_DVCL1Sz-XSHo2V4l5YllxuwTGPkDT_sG9-apmxdRQRJh7pMArP2yVXY9CpHrjlIIiLMl_P8DyMjbwHEM9ABQzyILP7Mp5zQZBGhqxwOpUMgBdsIOQdNkLXsHTHWVh0l5VmKM0aN-Jp5R0oywLuAwKxWGfp_7Rd3BNalnFxkL7DMU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGV4OLRUrV_OuFyw_DVCL1Sz-XSHo2V4l5YllxuwTGPkDT_sG9-apmxdRQRJh7pMArP2yVXY9CpHrjlIIiLMl_P8DyMjbwHEM9ABQzyILP7Mp5zQZBGhqxwOpUMgBdsIOQdNkLXsHTHWVh0l5VmKM0aN-Jp5R0oywLuAwKxWGfp_7Rd3BNalnFxkL7DMU=s16000" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><p></p>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-1409175079136663892023-07-10T03:18:00.001+10:002024-02-05T17:32:26.066+11:00NAIDOC 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx_olVcQPQfj1isLOUoGhfDK5Shfu6lh7WFQ2714Yz6kdPfEOMXDM73O1s5RqAWa-d0ZigqQ3rBbC9gz13ycIHsEq-rFh38mIoli2HxutL1KileI6uxy434upI47tjZIXL_GMIU0TWngB28FNKYMUZQk4IGgnR7shtL_580MWyt_LoHhGGBrBLLK6SY8/s2048/421999078_323794760657850_4151012514353041853_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx_olVcQPQfj1isLOUoGhfDK5Shfu6lh7WFQ2714Yz6kdPfEOMXDM73O1s5RqAWa-d0ZigqQ3rBbC9gz13ycIHsEq-rFh38mIoli2HxutL1KileI6uxy434upI47tjZIXL_GMIU0TWngB28FNKYMUZQk4IGgnR7shtL_580MWyt_LoHhGGBrBLLK6SY8/w640-h480/421999078_323794760657850_4151012514353041853_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSOM-BzG-Vdowxp0omk98sX4LidleRNTQd-__nIkCht12gFYSQvccMqG-MV-t1IIamS7sPQ2kX1AgwhvDkvmkD6itAXlLKGipKic6gmjvNLbF14pV0sLSyN9CTX9ck7fTHUJ-MrU0gkI4KHC3PmVROaTRUTAvNJ9iPPhKSpTj1SeFI7Esw3ebaq-IO7Q/s2048/422731550_375722275094917_1800153164835477232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSOM-BzG-Vdowxp0omk98sX4LidleRNTQd-__nIkCht12gFYSQvccMqG-MV-t1IIamS7sPQ2kX1AgwhvDkvmkD6itAXlLKGipKic6gmjvNLbF14pV0sLSyN9CTX9ck7fTHUJ-MrU0gkI4KHC3PmVROaTRUTAvNJ9iPPhKSpTj1SeFI7Esw3ebaq-IO7Q/w640-h640/422731550_375722275094917_1800153164835477232_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">As NAIDOC WEEK kicked off so did the school holidays! Asked about a month ago if I could help facilitate a cultural arts and crafts day for children at a local shopping centre; I jumped at the opportunity. Before the role that I’m in now I briefly worked at a primary to year 9 school where I was a cultural inclusion officer and I really miss teaching, especially littlies, so this one off gig for NAIDOC WEEK was so fun! Thanks Amanda for the opportunity sis! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next on my NAIDOC WEEK calendar was an invite to the Melton Salvation Army house for their NAIDOC WEEK event. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPLMJB7IY6S_5UfJIpWn9vEMqcqm3AtcZY9lV6IcdwPdUW-X1MSTKFGg8y5AakJCYWQTyx1D0V0OP7lu9o-s7iUUT76ulEgc1pwzjgPoWUnuHniN8winM1FLndO760THF9pO1jZroF67Y3ZtBSTMt_Lk2GE4GEQnkpaHyS2oCcYmzti4Q5-u0nBa3hIE/s2048/421631271_1238977073728891_7611372782918294625_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPLMJB7IY6S_5UfJIpWn9vEMqcqm3AtcZY9lV6IcdwPdUW-X1MSTKFGg8y5AakJCYWQTyx1D0V0OP7lu9o-s7iUUT76ulEgc1pwzjgPoWUnuHniN8winM1FLndO760THF9pO1jZroF67Y3ZtBSTMt_Lk2GE4GEQnkpaHyS2oCcYmzti4Q5-u0nBa3hIE/w480-h640/421631271_1238977073728891_7611372782918294625_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqN7x9ZCfwk4EkTTvxrwUow4SqGFld1YgFVA1qlSZNAnxwlER7ufHXn9_UNL6P3Y4sgrtEjNoDaLb-RSB1qH1rEL_vPiMIz3vZgZhCVAVAOUcwEo6f39CCWD490SRuT-NnsEPE1xGAWZqPcgVRGWevHE_WnlI42nq0uLtS8Ah-_wSp_G_LsUiiwulu0s/s2048/422801597_1078696073252516_5165773131193472010_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqN7x9ZCfwk4EkTTvxrwUow4SqGFld1YgFVA1qlSZNAnxwlER7ufHXn9_UNL6P3Y4sgrtEjNoDaLb-RSB1qH1rEL_vPiMIz3vZgZhCVAVAOUcwEo6f39CCWD490SRuT-NnsEPE1xGAWZqPcgVRGWevHE_WnlI42nq0uLtS8Ah-_wSp_G_LsUiiwulu0s/w640-h640/422801597_1078696073252516_5165773131193472010_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Didgeridoo playing, a smoking ceremony, plenty of children of all ages getting involved in the arts and crafts, a beautiful dance performance and dance lesson by a 14yo proud young Aboriginal girl as well as homemade damper, fresh fruit and drinks!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This day reminded me that it really doesn’t take much to get community together. People will come to where they are welcomed, where they feel safe and free to be who and how they are and how truly important connection within community is. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you to organisers and people whom contributed to making the day everything that it was! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And finally, an appreciation morning tea was held for those of us indigenous women whom work within western health Melton. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">All three of us received a pamper pack from our beautiful managers, coworkers and peers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQ45avhW7exzrP-CvEtsGWrs45kyj5pbG-clDHaHRrf0yUqXtkVllL5I6t1iWfym6inYRFbUfqqKzipzFW4ODERSCy1M-EX52DdzPjVmFQeavA_bcFItJAMYGN2uww74doQ4_p0IxGgTV7SyDt8KsxT_wFFTEL0yuMHjbw2MuOvRogXBZzxEbkRI0Gpw/s2048/422422422_400846459095300_9029066173489260054_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQ45avhW7exzrP-CvEtsGWrs45kyj5pbG-clDHaHRrf0yUqXtkVllL5I6t1iWfym6inYRFbUfqqKzipzFW4ODERSCy1M-EX52DdzPjVmFQeavA_bcFItJAMYGN2uww74doQ4_p0IxGgTV7SyDt8KsxT_wFFTEL0yuMHjbw2MuOvRogXBZzxEbkRI0Gpw/w480-h640/422422422_400846459095300_9029066173489260054_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you all for an amazing NAIDOC WEEK 2023 and I look forward to seeing you all at the Western NAIDOC Ball on the 15th of July! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> </div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-46275097122130590212023-06-22T00:34:00.001+10:002024-02-05T17:40:08.732+11:00Davids Birthday<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4B-GrVzTgBn4tuTUqrwUu3yT-pYe3NUfNaSed7rHLl7kWYzG8q4syPlg_hqAPxX-YrgbIKznK2vHVvwbutPyH3WNEklDXSahW426vhYDXyybrTujC3z49-UxToKgYryXkI9KClK1vl0tR71xMhhzvadBOlDg3eCqiIVnwR62e0DlUm9UgICEwu6NgEAo/s2048/422667535_1766048403909760_3312753359846492298_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4B-GrVzTgBn4tuTUqrwUu3yT-pYe3NUfNaSed7rHLl7kWYzG8q4syPlg_hqAPxX-YrgbIKznK2vHVvwbutPyH3WNEklDXSahW426vhYDXyybrTujC3z49-UxToKgYryXkI9KClK1vl0tR71xMhhzvadBOlDg3eCqiIVnwR62e0DlUm9UgICEwu6NgEAo/w400-h225/422667535_1766048403909760_3312753359846492298_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Last month I took David on a bottomless brunch river cruise for his birthday along the Yarra river in the city.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjVJl-iFRpuGSaq9famXC0epUtO84xTnJ6W8dzYihKM0iUOmz_IzQvPsolTBMW70HZepnJ28JhAx7cfWcQGnQCpk_fTkpwo5VqRfdgsg85B6Vk0f1DjGPIkOkKKo-IMasmMdFyV0-5N67aRUxmFOYN06aAycA7sj6yyT6g1UkIkmVF_EQoOupTbE-Urc/s2048/421226589_2124326707917240_703252421304326036_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjVJl-iFRpuGSaq9famXC0epUtO84xTnJ6W8dzYihKM0iUOmz_IzQvPsolTBMW70HZepnJ28JhAx7cfWcQGnQCpk_fTkpwo5VqRfdgsg85B6Vk0f1DjGPIkOkKKo-IMasmMdFyV0-5N67aRUxmFOYN06aAycA7sj6yyT6g1UkIkmVF_EQoOupTbE-Urc/w225-h400/421226589_2124326707917240_703252421304326036_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6ENd7PXKD-D5iylJmlpPYb8Xlqd9ZkQOoiT2AyvSp8hRYBqQplJGsMSJGaSpSqNlmV4SjfRTzSPOH5tHOm2r07CGPPiwIRZGGYY86FyDXMm-GRYMHbhvZEZ1B5i4AvQS3nldEltt6hSBiOHWuYZKtKjNQ8wOapJo5JM4xJjizwK2u8C5rP_h0PKtIoE/s2048/422575165_404369352077982_574648112108762527_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6ENd7PXKD-D5iylJmlpPYb8Xlqd9ZkQOoiT2AyvSp8hRYBqQplJGsMSJGaSpSqNlmV4SjfRTzSPOH5tHOm2r07CGPPiwIRZGGYY86FyDXMm-GRYMHbhvZEZ1B5i4AvQS3nldEltt6hSBiOHWuYZKtKjNQ8wOapJo5JM4xJjizwK2u8C5rP_h0PKtIoE/w225-h400/422575165_404369352077982_574648112108762527_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaH3vlmGXlpYKYzHuT6dNGIVmQsJ6B3qgFKhaC07RJokIiyhAyAMfhVC_khR5bIZ16_ruRu5n0KhnAhdEl8b6hzYy0yuAyMq19azmaUKsivnXRP-p2QRPulpSrTyMuP5ibShLiYi6i5d2UaMazdEMTuO3glho39JK4cQywzo_Ysk5jV5sCwoLDpJfUXiE/s2048/423147265_24611497351827855_5868952586543917965_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaH3vlmGXlpYKYzHuT6dNGIVmQsJ6B3qgFKhaC07RJokIiyhAyAMfhVC_khR5bIZ16_ruRu5n0KhnAhdEl8b6hzYy0yuAyMq19azmaUKsivnXRP-p2QRPulpSrTyMuP5ibShLiYi6i5d2UaMazdEMTuO3glho39JK4cQywzo_Ysk5jV5sCwoLDpJfUXiE/w225-h400/423147265_24611497351827855_5868952586543917965_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tG65YNMxSahR6R1JBWCdUUM_lluh5xS5EFUQLBbK2McwsO2b35Kh80RHdtzFK5emen14ssPfAh6qbNWXJeZH7fiMna8oow91wR48UgY_iYsy1OxGw4DMnFSO6UF7CSS_gKv2eNV5ShewIXjQs-X0NZ_2T7rdF3kds87TXTHy58VXwNYSzuBJ1wcnR7A/s2048/421292372_7005661689528921_3246144249276004241_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tG65YNMxSahR6R1JBWCdUUM_lluh5xS5EFUQLBbK2McwsO2b35Kh80RHdtzFK5emen14ssPfAh6qbNWXJeZH7fiMna8oow91wR48UgY_iYsy1OxGw4DMnFSO6UF7CSS_gKv2eNV5ShewIXjQs-X0NZ_2T7rdF3kds87TXTHy58VXwNYSzuBJ1wcnR7A/w400-h225/421292372_7005661689528921_3246144249276004241_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCrYcBGujs6Bpfs3d3qlIuKX3bld7RbSnvmymCqDqxB4hGnnUn3lAfW4XGLx5aVZpslc0vzaIfgBE_t18NFeON3ahcIwrdEpDlXD_kc5TGtUEzjjhrS2ZqvtV_QwaPt5dlJT9Enlnz524QBpGlJ_WjDpjVWvdfFWh2OHW07TsO8T0QcougfoCFKO1ZGo/s2048/421256459_760900212562927_646043943468210576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCrYcBGujs6Bpfs3d3qlIuKX3bld7RbSnvmymCqDqxB4hGnnUn3lAfW4XGLx5aVZpslc0vzaIfgBE_t18NFeON3ahcIwrdEpDlXD_kc5TGtUEzjjhrS2ZqvtV_QwaPt5dlJT9Enlnz524QBpGlJ_WjDpjVWvdfFWh2OHW07TsO8T0QcougfoCFKO1ZGo/w400-h300/421256459_760900212562927_646043943468210576_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Early June we also went to do an escape room together. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was David’s third time and my first.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We completed it with one clue and extra time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">David was the brute and I was the brains making us a great team.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday my love. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And to many many more xx </div><div><br /></div></div></div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-55605353804726207742023-06-16T13:08:00.000+10:002024-02-05T17:42:38.504+11:00Family Movie Day<div style="text-align: center;">The day before I set off to Cairns, David the kids and I went to the movies together to see Fast X.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love these three people more than anyone and anything in this world.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spending time with them is always a joy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOgkCK_Otg1L0479SNR7VX_wTZSPmZMf8jnyZkGKURk9HRXlnLHFvUEuz4OIcZ28MCSeEmG32BxyF_c4OVRVgxJHnyODN3TPtyj2cx2L9c3zMIJA-dDWc6Wc3x3miHzgAX0Y5GPPaBHp0QvnmZsYVnzo1o53knolRdgR8ZruDxtfnQ8aB_fwTtUTknJw/s1440/422076345_347647511504153_8980283803704912305_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOgkCK_Otg1L0479SNR7VX_wTZSPmZMf8jnyZkGKURk9HRXlnLHFvUEuz4OIcZ28MCSeEmG32BxyF_c4OVRVgxJHnyODN3TPtyj2cx2L9c3zMIJA-dDWc6Wc3x3miHzgAX0Y5GPPaBHp0QvnmZsYVnzo1o53knolRdgR8ZruDxtfnQ8aB_fwTtUTknJw/w200-h200/422076345_347647511504153_8980283803704912305_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCYmbQ5agU_mmKyHuRXOQX3PDurDJzO5UvaK3cvDIpscv-QeA29kWTSwXKWlspCTqV_HBP9z2-y6AWwvC5wdkw1tCsYPenwPHonYN7IdREobTAQ4i0iH3msnqc1ihyphenhyphenZbav2XFIQscxEHlOhifDXc-813mL1q4HKMKPR_yqnytk44cERiGowwJ2e9qIhc/s1440/422762860_1871862333250830_2335620650280321383_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCYmbQ5agU_mmKyHuRXOQX3PDurDJzO5UvaK3cvDIpscv-QeA29kWTSwXKWlspCTqV_HBP9z2-y6AWwvC5wdkw1tCsYPenwPHonYN7IdREobTAQ4i0iH3msnqc1ihyphenhyphenZbav2XFIQscxEHlOhifDXc-813mL1q4HKMKPR_yqnytk44cERiGowwJ2e9qIhc/w200-h200/422762860_1871862333250830_2335620650280321383_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-24789338708995249812023-06-02T19:14:00.001+10:002024-02-05T18:01:22.510+11:00Reconciliation Week 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_W2bctT1baxnUy6vbVPOnQTIl4rwJ7Ws1u6655CobBlbkh6LS88GhbuLAheCHbhwlY6Dwt_3xkqCjqSwEWj9YIfW7TaBFxAsoyl-PMILJNpa182rNdUvoim6U_8YQhJhYuq72kLcj1pmlMasrp74RzAoDFmrj3as4nHlBJDDMhzXLCCdtjzAtngyuDg/s2048/422806438_351690370962385_8471968311024534121_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_W2bctT1baxnUy6vbVPOnQTIl4rwJ7Ws1u6655CobBlbkh6LS88GhbuLAheCHbhwlY6Dwt_3xkqCjqSwEWj9YIfW7TaBFxAsoyl-PMILJNpa182rNdUvoim6U_8YQhJhYuq72kLcj1pmlMasrp74RzAoDFmrj3as4nHlBJDDMhzXLCCdtjzAtngyuDg/s320/422806438_351690370962385_8471968311024534121_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH33U8aMguSDN7InnvdU1JQ_Vb8uUDA2_uRXl00ISuBIMLZN6-Jnl1ibZzbMkLS-fKmiWDEx7-Gs60KR_juSZ2JSDmlpN0bDnGsqLCzIK2aYwrxiqaQAySIwIzIrme65Mcpg_HRORUYbmwVYHmujclhiPTE1XiNv3maDftVpbTXe6ZNpVkxhBeqW5wn_0/s2048/422723967_1112198576878854_127786516882102429_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH33U8aMguSDN7InnvdU1JQ_Vb8uUDA2_uRXl00ISuBIMLZN6-Jnl1ibZzbMkLS-fKmiWDEx7-Gs60KR_juSZ2JSDmlpN0bDnGsqLCzIK2aYwrxiqaQAySIwIzIrme65Mcpg_HRORUYbmwVYHmujclhiPTE1XiNv3maDftVpbTXe6ZNpVkxhBeqW5wn_0/s320/422723967_1112198576878854_127786516882102429_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I feel so privileged to represent my Torres Strait Islander culture through my community and my workplace this year just as I have done since 2012! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I will continue to be a voice for the generations!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssBDkrlDB5leBWInJucn-oBFyn5kAH1fFVen0fFGln8mYXJLS6XlRgrQt43qFwguuFjGdSGCiuK3xzOrB3YBZTq4djQmFhxXeOzs8XVpa0Cmi8ZebjnImPQwc81WtFfN3txNrA4cbTKEPhRYaeqZa5NdOxrNVtbGTRNksLLTaia5irvSOXDAGi_wSbVo/s2048/423036379_1807789926384790_7375858979787888492_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssBDkrlDB5leBWInJucn-oBFyn5kAH1fFVen0fFGln8mYXJLS6XlRgrQt43qFwguuFjGdSGCiuK3xzOrB3YBZTq4djQmFhxXeOzs8XVpa0Cmi8ZebjnImPQwc81WtFfN3txNrA4cbTKEPhRYaeqZa5NdOxrNVtbGTRNksLLTaia5irvSOXDAGi_wSbVo/s320/423036379_1807789926384790_7375858979787888492_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /></div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-53181149578889036172023-04-08T18:22:00.002+10:002024-02-05T18:20:44.647+11:00To my niece,<p style="text-align: center;"> Words cannot express the joy that filled my heart when your Mum, my bestest and most loyal friend of nearly 20 years, told me she was pregnant with you. With the weeks that followed as you grew in your Mums womb, I was in disbelief that your Mum was actually going to be a Mum. I flooded her inbox with encouragement, advice and stories of what my births were like and what helped me. Sadie baby, I want you to know, your Mum and I prayed for you long before you were born, years before, but also as you grew your Aunty Melissa over here was praying for you and your Mum. When I got the news from your father via text that Mum had gone into labor with you prayers were going up for your safe delivery. With all my heart I wanted your Mum to have you and experience the absolute whirlwind of motherhood she's watched me and others around her enjoy. On the 15th of March 2023 when you came into this world, my best friend, your Mama, became a Mother and that is something I know she has wanted, longed for, cried for and deserves in her lifetime. On the 15th of March 2023 God blessed us with you. Sadie, your Aunty over here cannot wait to watch you grow and stress your Mum out. I cannot wait for the phone calls I'll receive from Mum for advice and to one day hold you in my arms, hear your voice and say yes to you when Mum and Dad say no. Just because you cannot see me doesn't mean I am not here, I will always be here. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Thinking of you daily,</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Aunty Melissa</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQp5enJ73Fzvc3x8ymFYsXb3XlekxUCUISm7tEVnvvnCm79aPZDFDdgLFCwHnOsbHQrPAik9JYQ9N-5gAuS8xdtvGNyqXIiX9ztapLe0eMvV_qO-elxYDQoP4fwBi5iALesF__cOLUgCstroXnJpFpAILQ2ETFRXSiKp-8WTQs6QrvmMBFhxPP2nG5Pyg/s2048/422720274_1089283885443343_514094221940628440_n%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQp5enJ73Fzvc3x8ymFYsXb3XlekxUCUISm7tEVnvvnCm79aPZDFDdgLFCwHnOsbHQrPAik9JYQ9N-5gAuS8xdtvGNyqXIiX9ztapLe0eMvV_qO-elxYDQoP4fwBi5iALesF__cOLUgCstroXnJpFpAILQ2ETFRXSiKp-8WTQs6QrvmMBFhxPP2nG5Pyg/s320/422720274_1089283885443343_514094221940628440_n%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdX9c6Gaanb4pRt1TJ_UvyG2ovpcOfvKtrjL75H39QgHss7XJThGTdFgbwAVGWU5meKiWghxA4-pEOuS4lKRDpxDF1HjYeBM2clgJkYi-uDWPnYA9Dq-XhQhpQsehk_RkE3m81Na3m1ARmQ0K19Xd2-Cq4j6BcXbAJL1pTdpmIcxp50f6Ndqcl8bcIl0/s320/423036705_393365499944227_6332266926306952066_n%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-91746919321055039612023-04-07T16:47:00.000+10:002024-02-05T18:14:50.070+11:00My first flower!<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfT70KhJDeyzuDjV0l7WK9-UDAnauLijQkoIK7bJVgvNyCB_Fdci6ZMOeWdHurEY4bKly5e-9xGvnbwk6d2LSW-AJvzg3AANeGZEcQ7Vr67iEjAZDIM7RwnShXBzI01zLqaBwHR_GMw3SaQ53f-3kIns02_yGKxoxHK4rckuX9z5FODtOWGZd6k16eW8/s2048/421509734_1448379272557658_4732304924191337069_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfT70KhJDeyzuDjV0l7WK9-UDAnauLijQkoIK7bJVgvNyCB_Fdci6ZMOeWdHurEY4bKly5e-9xGvnbwk6d2LSW-AJvzg3AANeGZEcQ7Vr67iEjAZDIM7RwnShXBzI01zLqaBwHR_GMw3SaQ53f-3kIns02_yGKxoxHK4rckuX9z5FODtOWGZd6k16eW8/w640-h640/421509734_1448379272557658_4732304924191337069_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I finally received my first flower from David last month. Picked from a garden just up the road from his Mums house by his best friend and given to me by David. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It surely is the little things and another first for our relationship. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My first flower from David </div><div style="text-align: center;">19/3/2023</div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-87082924794001388062023-04-04T09:04:00.001+10:002024-02-05T18:12:17.825+11:00 The Goulburn Country Music Festival Shepparton 2023<br /><div style="text-align: center;">On the first of this month we went to The Goulburn Country Music Festival.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been partly slack and partly too busy to post about it but finally found some time tonight to do so.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> This was the fam getting selfies as we got ready before we left for the night..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgAEoO63zO8Y7w6LPe6hU9FgdG2s91VGXwzptgQocTn1NMHPxrADRcQOjc5aCVfGz2GCqmNdh1JFjGU2rWBggw0tTNFMkGazy4pgZNZjh_Q447_CZiqGDhAIctJfqlCd8aseIWvfriAZHrGj5DH_Mh1Y8dgYuoNtu_Faa0NAiScyj6Q7G-dOIl40bA0Q/s2048/421272076_752324263109528_2182531275364525195_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgAEoO63zO8Y7w6LPe6hU9FgdG2s91VGXwzptgQocTn1NMHPxrADRcQOjc5aCVfGz2GCqmNdh1JFjGU2rWBggw0tTNFMkGazy4pgZNZjh_Q447_CZiqGDhAIctJfqlCd8aseIWvfriAZHrGj5DH_Mh1Y8dgYuoNtu_Faa0NAiScyj6Q7G-dOIl40bA0Q/s320/421272076_752324263109528_2182531275364525195_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dYW6vDUzu3pVeawQtDXaXW5hqUooObwdqfl2lCTWbcV5OmKKGkSXV2bIeS0TsbTy29j94piv0STPQHVw15lTn3R_Km0ELuR1OAEozrgTfH2GkRoe9ItOcOmH-ujffIw23YSd7UdJBkDCgWrzTWH_IMi_8HY3UAJ8Qe4bX3cMKDlykGjMthyphenhyphenovP0FiMQ/s2048/421708317_715489583897748_109681991981947872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">After getting ready, we got an Uber to the Showgrounds and scanned in!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">After looking around, Jie found something he liked..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;">And David and I settled at the back of the crowd..</div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOW57yg095bBRu0Sfzzfd72rDmK51TO4sWPeCl4REch3m4z0lluBpA88c7FwJcCL13Hy2Cz0-ibj4sUmz4rLGldChkkSKSKiviUTGdAhPls1Q0fScbmkT1HkI3xTpJ-mcxuxAySSpn9Tg6lyB5JFG2Y7lem8S_12aegtQl6K1RXDw5qXF8q6sAdbwU2xU/s2048/422629372_375410421793363_7360595122177862698_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOW57yg095bBRu0Sfzzfd72rDmK51TO4sWPeCl4REch3m4z0lluBpA88c7FwJcCL13Hy2Cz0-ibj4sUmz4rLGldChkkSKSKiviUTGdAhPls1Q0fScbmkT1HkI3xTpJ-mcxuxAySSpn9Tg6lyB5JFG2Y7lem8S_12aegtQl6K1RXDw5qXF8q6sAdbwU2xU/s320/422629372_375410421793363_7360595122177862698_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nevaeh and I enjoyed the atmosphere while Jie opted to go back to the hotel early.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgQd90rPcXH67fktm_yfuS8r_Q6QtDP6SQYHU_6YS3u516YcCbWN7UgBtamcHnRtxB06nxsBJhsVLLWrmBdWTgcGTqK9k4zsQ-NWE5ccOLXdhlAkBPLzwmtgxow4G6iKyd_60jtTBakcf3916nuI-Zlnu3x-RVtZWO8gpNIsCZsgklF7SkIaYHRlkVC4/s2048/421615389_1107667283739054_2487549486362719372_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgQd90rPcXH67fktm_yfuS8r_Q6QtDP6SQYHU_6YS3u516YcCbWN7UgBtamcHnRtxB06nxsBJhsVLLWrmBdWTgcGTqK9k4zsQ-NWE5ccOLXdhlAkBPLzwmtgxow4G6iKyd_60jtTBakcf3916nuI-Zlnu3x-RVtZWO8gpNIsCZsgklF7SkIaYHRlkVC4/s320/421615389_1107667283739054_2487549486362719372_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">But that didn’t stop David, Nevaeh and I enjoying the beautiful weather and country tunes..</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhvdZAqkrLdKqqEriGQeKHaPbsADAJqAgN__qko8ka55dJEBBNP_y50p1LREnWvdpB4P-81hrv3CJUZw2fZRHq1qIC6byaBL-CRSnaMRxGGLslu36IOCEPJ4aMjYMYM8lptfK8TNUrSMCDD-kUfd9BP35O5DtGeZFZl29A48Uv2nusZKCCJX_ajz-2kg/s2048/421282714_397319486308719_3417700064961748364_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhvdZAqkrLdKqqEriGQeKHaPbsADAJqAgN__qko8ka55dJEBBNP_y50p1LREnWvdpB4P-81hrv3CJUZw2fZRHq1qIC6byaBL-CRSnaMRxGGLslu36IOCEPJ4aMjYMYM8lptfK8TNUrSMCDD-kUfd9BP35O5DtGeZFZl29A48Uv2nusZKCCJX_ajz-2kg/s320/421282714_397319486308719_3417700064961748364_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As the night went on we enjoyed music from our favorite bands.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">David enjoyed showing me one of his fave bands, the Wolfe Brothers and lined up for a fan photo..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8E97zpAlg3dNhqyPCkSdPaRs6aeXaJ0HMq_LCH7uYzyErr5mVyRGOFZt-Uvv_1Q01xxRhbLwDGQHgSgIy-EWlyrXSBryHNYJFDQ6r1fnOz9nyzrzIIGCj_qU4pxv3aj1HmGgQqnLFs0z6MGvKm446792ncEwsxJBUoHQH4mqQQmz8gTg4l-NyLQDkKA/s2048/421277470_7468804896483393_5983975432905471935_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8E97zpAlg3dNhqyPCkSdPaRs6aeXaJ0HMq_LCH7uYzyErr5mVyRGOFZt-Uvv_1Q01xxRhbLwDGQHgSgIy-EWlyrXSBryHNYJFDQ6r1fnOz9nyzrzIIGCj_qU4pxv3aj1HmGgQqnLFs0z6MGvKm446792ncEwsxJBUoHQH4mqQQmz8gTg4l-NyLQDkKA/s320/421277470_7468804896483393_5983975432905471935_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">And as the sun set on Shepparton it was Kasey Chambers voice whom lit up the night..</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBU2LStgZgkeaRMOhPPewLr5dpWuZW4TkhuKl4-LJme2wM8Oz7rqvocYhKDy-6XAByEolIPlYXvAjo8g_dmbkDpuzc4hQZ7yYYk_D7TuyxmcectsKTxQSzU2UAK5wxlD9-pN4vM-RWGotH-7moKJVwFg59Q0Aonha_sWKSjLT2xyPtG1T9DpWyPQmRKY/s275/422491803_351856974440041_8453656594161922273_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="275" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBU2LStgZgkeaRMOhPPewLr5dpWuZW4TkhuKl4-LJme2wM8Oz7rqvocYhKDy-6XAByEolIPlYXvAjo8g_dmbkDpuzc4hQZ7yYYk_D7TuyxmcectsKTxQSzU2UAK5wxlD9-pN4vM-RWGotH-7moKJVwFg59Q0Aonha_sWKSjLT2xyPtG1T9DpWyPQmRKY/s1600/422491803_351856974440041_8453656594161922273_n.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The day was amazing! And while Jie didn’t love the festival, it was still noice to get away for the weekend together for some country fun. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbl6EE4iFDGo4b-vC3wxlBAFKidi_VPp1Ze8bQaT3FKOtMJPA0PrteErS-t9TDTBBk6tClUuEveyX59MQkgRALafgqMlsUzXd_t3Zj4C2w5nnCz_9IlXoXBIgrB_78wWIY3v7dR1_KNTvW4GbhVr_MHlmh0pTzyOta8W3d5Ft_17P3S9cqlMO5W2h7Khk/s2048/421931339_759369252250678_4235510079906589721_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbl6EE4iFDGo4b-vC3wxlBAFKidi_VPp1Ze8bQaT3FKOtMJPA0PrteErS-t9TDTBBk6tClUuEveyX59MQkgRALafgqMlsUzXd_t3Zj4C2w5nnCz_9IlXoXBIgrB_78wWIY3v7dR1_KNTvW4GbhVr_MHlmh0pTzyOta8W3d5Ft_17P3S9cqlMO5W2h7Khk/s320/421931339_759369252250678_4235510079906589721_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYKQPXOiaijpbrtWMCl6nRoDbJDbPfQ1RBGbp1QQfTQJJJqJC3dML3Rtb2Xi5FoTW7phx34rbvPmEU4nVHJ2Fx575_mmDLqvdLFc9xan6FOe7kDF_elMiTKGnpUWFW8q4I4CQAsP8plAITjUUiDM4Z7giTGpamVXZDRszJgaha6CozY7X4x3zJ7Lpkpk/s1920/422801599_1115983152738268_4194684248218908857_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYKQPXOiaijpbrtWMCl6nRoDbJDbPfQ1RBGbp1QQfTQJJJqJC3dML3Rtb2Xi5FoTW7phx34rbvPmEU4nVHJ2Fx575_mmDLqvdLFc9xan6FOe7kDF_elMiTKGnpUWFW8q4I4CQAsP8plAITjUUiDM4Z7giTGpamVXZDRszJgaha6CozY7X4x3zJ7Lpkpk/s320/422801599_1115983152738268_4194684248218908857_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></div></div></div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-40993636291430716162023-03-03T23:04:00.001+11:002023-03-03T23:04:25.065+11:00Bingo Night<div style="text-align: center;">Wednesday night after work David and I drove to Sunshine to play Bingo!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_5927_420_a243_b0cb" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/bMMtuwQmkNc9ZElW-f26LJKLL93miHmQbbLR_Vt4_CBW7OcBUOj3v-qO3VpFnrjd7qc" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have such sentimental memories of going with my Aunty and Nana back when I was younger but never with this amount of money to be won though. The Jackpot was $10,000.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A lady on the table beside us walked out with the $10,000 jackpot and another lady two tables from us won a $700 game and then another $200 on the breakers (little break open cards you can buy for $50c each) winning $900 for the night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While we didn't win, it was fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We will definitely be going back in the near future. </div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-83222769935025943802023-03-03T22:56:00.002+11:002023-03-03T22:56:20.241+11:00Yarning Circle - Gum Leaf Art<div style="text-align: center;">Wednesday this week just gone, our Yarning Circle of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and community members enjoyed our Gum Leaf art and craft activity.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a look at what we did..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_dc30_881e_1ef2_e472" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/59a_kmtzts8V4jUtYWry8irpqTKihaJP-qIH8o8p1JWlsoWz7cbpS62-zXkoJRDc8Hw" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_a675_98c6_cdde_22b7" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Npe8qQfxuNL0YLmLnyuFUGarXtiui0b2wiviWiH-_GrJAZafq2n7zWi0yPgbOKgWtDw" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_ac58_d735_f33d_2661" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/VDIBiPEtOh4hJOCj5UDxz3oWhTHyBMoYITwsWUC_1ahnVIhrwxsDhCqCUCWo1iEHZ6A" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have also given the group a flyer with all our upcoming dates and activities including Bird House Making, Photo Holders, Easter Art and Possum skin Shawls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out our "Culture" link on the right hand side of this blog to see what we've done in the past.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love community and the culture of this great land.</div> </div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-81293666839938900952023-02-27T02:39:00.001+11:002023-02-27T02:52:44.158+11:00Black + White Weekend<img id="id_445_ed95_d18b_9c2b" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fdjUXT12cfPiHM0MJtjRuQNHxFMU1SUUpyO68_nZAstDt3DAJuq1Olu-2AsoSKNiNSI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>So here is my entry for this weekend!</div><div><br></div><div>This little guy landed in our car as we were playing Pokémon Go on Saturday and decided to stay a while. </div><div><br></div><div>Looking forward to seeing featured photos and what everyone is contributing this weeks <a href="https://alotoflittlebitsoflove.blogspot.com/2023/02/black-and-white-weekend.html" id="id_1323_4de5_26d8_90b4" target="_blank">Black and White weekend Blog Hop!</a></div><div><br></div><div>Have an awesome week you guys! </div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-34874871329031999562023-02-26T14:40:00.000+11:002023-02-27T02:48:58.892+11:00Date Night No.2 <div style="text-align: center;">So Friday night we were invited by a community elder to see Queen Rocks, a Queen tribute band play at Tabcorp Park in Melton. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">At first I was like nah, but after work Friday night and after a few drinks I decided why not?! So on went my brand new never worn before black and white shirt along with some make up! David poured me a traveller for the way and once there, it was so much fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We sat in our little corner on the side with a nice side view of the band. I enjoyed watching the guitar solos and sharing a few kisses with my man throughout.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had plans to head to the beach afterwards as we knew the house would be hot but instead we called it a night at around 12.30pm. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_50e5_faa1_987b_7bac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3UyXtFJwuf-DKj8gYrhMJXU97JQM91ZqOp__g3ihagTLE0vMkRaiWiZJuif7PPGfqtQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We spent absolutely no money throughout the night but we had such a great time.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I’m so glad we chose to go last minute! </div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-18629613091157909882023-02-19T23:47:00.003+11:002023-02-20T17:08:07.707+11:00Black and White Weekend<p style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_b78d_5a6a_4ef_c05a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/hzGOOmjKZhHyLiPeadjXPVXAkdfAxCrU3Pq0f9EC93Tsgf5ObJTHjsb7kk8nGoCSGHc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></p><p style="text-align: center;">Our fur baby Altius snoozing on my bed after cleaning himself. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> <span style="text-align: center;">>> Linking up for Black & White Weekend! <<</span></a></p>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-11681128492434148792023-02-19T23:36:00.001+11:002023-02-19T23:36:09.390+11:00Emu Egg Calving <div style="text-align: center;">This has been an absolute first for me!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last week, as part of my role as the Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker I organised Amanda from Wax Treasures Feathers to do an Emu Egg Calving workshop for my Yarning Circle Group of Aboriginal Elders.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Choosing to take my Egg and tools home to really have a think about what I wanted to calve into my Emu Egg. Being of Torres Strait Islander Decent, I chose to do my families totem, a few words in our language and designed a sting ray which includes the Dhari ( our native headdress), our Tribal name and the name of the Island we come from.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is how it looks so far..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_4d53_56ab_c1c4_bb4" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4ekv-bvenThIX-3fam2nvowPDzYnYO1pxivjS8mJbXrIE7BjGZXZrd5jyeD_hzTV4mQ" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Bird featured on my Emu Egg is a Tern Bird or "Serer" in the language of our people. The tern bird is considered a symbol of safe return as it never passes the night at sea. Navigators following them know therefore that they will soon reach land. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_8e13_5fcd_e6b9_4972" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/MJE91TXLdb-q_LPwLHjM6traWFzc8dZrNJkuv_8C4-IlV4owMbz9L2KMcb3ddYDd6SU" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_9102_a604_7a66_1e22" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/VhAc0-DEALpn6xw9EglVhIBwqTBFpiRQhHuhsmPmUPdMcwmMbvoCGroQYPaKHFyCvMM" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_968b_9d12_9f96_d51a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/EP5KyZAmad0zzI_x2gXt8ZmLEqBIFtKJzRxv1EicmUsB7yc0hc2Gnhplzcr-Alp1yXg" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I chose to calve out three words in our language around the outside of my frame.</div><div style="text-align: center;">These words were "Eded" meaning Life, "Lag" meaning Love and "Buai" meaning family.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_5089_4320_b7e2_cf46" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_HdITvVzn2_NiPzhTXLkz_HGKD7WOOBI6jJKHolwBmipgQew0wrY-uv3dnB-lrzzabk" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_96d3_9724_3ddc_fb62" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/YkluZ9Z-6Tegmbwv7rOcL7np77l06K02opVHnVlB-wPJN5D7SWS_Jih2vA6upUskHow" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_d638_6de9_3bf3_5d20" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cLopuoR-QyX_Egpo6BCVFmNxdmAttYig0Ggs--M0vTIVyUmNrCSvKkyjr96ixle0loo" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And lastly I chose to do a tribal stingray with our Tribal name "Samsep" as well as the Island our old people originate from "Erub".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Egg is still not quite finished but I'm quite proud of the way its coming along.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> </div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-45556338781104532392023-02-13T00:22:00.002+11:002023-02-13T00:29:43.331+11:00Black & White Weekend<div style="text-align: center;">Friday night straight after work I drove home, picked my partner David and 17yo son Jie up (Nevaeh, my 13 year old daughter opted to stay home to play online games with her friends which was totally fine with us) packed our fishing gear and made our way to Werribee South Beach stopping on the way for worms and slushies from KFC.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Being back by the ocean is so relaxing and fishing with my son always brings my heart so much joy. My love of fishing came from my father whom has now been gone for over a year and when I'm by the ocean, I feel close to him remembering everything he taught me and I love being able to pass that knowledge onto my son.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All week every part of me just wanted to be by the ocean..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/w137hMDB0NA0ZpwKQrwxPMw-EbC7tmt9n2j9gYncZQj47wOQtQC6AKmdYuqCsackDO0=w480-h640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/5MWZnmFE8PcOycfPmc2aZHqTnXQQPyDfUwrfPAl_yTn4DvcyxgEJg1sPddkfFv5WZUA" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/wvvPvJV1CFfqGbCr4tS6zgQTey49ZXVd1RalWe7mJxDnuhbFbpkYjgx-x5mjB8bWXBg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yJh0SIJW7pFle3U5E75UbkEP52_6MRsDq4ismoYLfHxvzLmjTzGkP1TDeAfeMIxfZmM" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On Saturday, my heart again yearned for the ocean and my want to fish. I absolutely love it. I feel so calm, like nothing else matters in the world when I'm by the ocean and I feel so close to my Dad who I miss so so much. This time it was a family trip with Nevaeh joining us and belting out the big notes in the car on the way there with me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Again we stopped for frozen drinks before this time fishing off the Werribee Boat Ramps.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/l1IIL5UwQVCOgwc2lTcID66HcyqvnGqtj4tcs-ycoFjC8TIL_t3Rh_b6-GpKUun03RY" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/OrkXetLCkoiyDK1_AowB8SxqV1NDkMtgUeAHqErJuFn9rAD2p7rhi_rmWZOtp8xjDQ8" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids left us to go for a walk along the beach together. Jiedyn has been concerned about his sisters mental health again and so they got a chance to talk about it together away from their tech and gadgets.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have always loved the bond they share, its envious and reminds me a lot of the bond my brother and I had once had. Through lifes ups and downs it was my brother I could be myself around the most.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_hGZzhxlzi96JVD7yLTk7pC5ltRh4eWn_0DLMCd6I5mKhObuu6_PkPnvLKkDw0eG8IM" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While the kids shared time together I enjoyed this view with two fishing rods and both my feet in the water. Absolutely no fish were caught but it was so relaxing listening to the waves roll in and out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7-69v9dlbTEJ2V4n4DUnBeVm19_4ud7M1eVVtIPCkMWHldNu4AL-MzQZfyxQXPUCiDU" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As the night came to an end Jie had us in stitches from laughing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First chasing his sister with his fishing rod all the way to the car and then her locking him out of the car and him deciding to hitch a ride on the bonnet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There was a man with his dog sitting up on the hill whom was very amused by my son.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm sure it would've made my Dad laugh too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/DFjdYlbIwIeyLiZDOCCQDCwy30DQjJmTwOJd3K8rL00Mj_h1wTnJKjeozdfHJcNkwFk" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday was back to just our normal Sunday routine. Cleaning and preparing for our week ahead. I did two loads of washing, tidied the lounge and kitchen areas, Nevaeh cleaned the bathroom before Jie cleaned the hallway while I scrubbed the toilet. David did the dishes and tidied the kitchen again after I made 4 types of dinners tonight to meet everyones requests as well as scones for dessert. Jie and I watched Hells Kitchen while we ate dinner tonight and Chess has become our new before bed hobby.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The week ahead is looking pretty busy but good-busy!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm working two half days which will fill up my week so I'm enjoying some down time tonight.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tonight's blog post and weekend recap is a part of a new blog hop I found this week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">>> <a href="https://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.com/">Click here to check it out!</a> <<</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a really positive week everyone and if your feeling lonely or down jump onto my twitter for inspiration, random facts and encouragement. You can <a href="https://twitter.com/Melofbacchus" target="_blank">find my twitter here..</a></div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-65714410963794185752023-02-05T15:37:00.003+11:002023-02-05T15:37:35.286+11:00Four Somethings - January<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> Today I am linking up for <a href="http://all4boys.blogspot.com/2023/01/share-4-somethings-january-2023.html" target="_blank">"Four Somethings"</a> hosted by Jennifer Goodwin <a href="http://all4boys.blogspot.com/2023/01/share-4-somethings-january-2023.html">here..</a><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The link up encourages bloggers to share four themed <i>somethings</i> of your month.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm joining a little late as I just saw this link-up on a few blogs I hopped onto yesterday.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So here goes..</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">SOMETHING LOVED</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span>Something I loved in January was the opportunity to book a few trips for 2023. Taking my own advice of "To have plans, you must make plans" I booked four trips using <a href="https://www.wotif.com/" target="_blank">wotif</a> for our family to enjoy as the year continues. Look out for our trips to Shepparton and Lakes Entrance in April, our trip to Inverloch in September and my trip back up to Cairns in June! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>SOMETHING READ</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span>I don't read a lot of books to be honest, I prefer true crime, Judge Judy and trashy reality TV shows in my spare time but something I do read each and every day are my Emails. Work emails when I'm at work and my personal emails keep me connected to the lastest deals from my favorite brands, news from my preferred news sources as I do not rely on the TV or Radio media for my news and staying up to date with my upcoming bills and finance goals. Last month I received an email from one of old neighbors now in her 70's which I loved and now look forward to her musings shared every now and again. I'd love to pen-pal more people through email, see <a href="http://alotoflittlebitsoflove.blogspot.com/2023/02/blog-pen-pals.html" target="_blank">my previous post here</a> to learn more.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><b style="font-size: large;">SOMETHING LEARNED</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span>Something I learned last month was that we all live our lives in alignment with our triggers and traumas. Our triggers and experienced traumas shape who we are, who we become, how we raise our children and unknowlingly </span>how we navigate life. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I wont go too deep with this but I'll use Prince Harry as an example in his latest Netflix show titled "Harry & Megan". His upbringing and experience with the paparazzi has a massive effect on him and his life today - the trauma of a young boy losing his mother at the hands of people whom wanted exclusive photos of her is now his worst fear when it comes to himself, his wife Megan and their children. I really feel for this boy, never getting the help he needed to overcome this fear in which now has become a trigger from trauma in his life controlling everything he does. He probably, like a lot of us, doesn't even realize how much this effects him as he lives in survival mode for his family.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Another example is learning my own triggers and traumas. As a child raised around drinking, drugs and violence being neglected from my parents - I have put myself in positions to advocate for children living with the same disadvantages wanting so much better for their lives. As a child of the foster system spending time in over 25 foster homes over three states separated from my siblings it triggers me to know that there are kids still going through this today and because of my trauma, when I was caring for my sisters kids I just wanted to help create happy times and a safe space for the four siblings I had in my care to grow up together away from drug and alcohol users. The trauma we experience create triggers in which we do things we think are right as a way of survival. Being a drug addict myself at a young age and being around drug addict family members as a child and adult it too has become a trauma for me - to the point that now when people I know and love have recently become drug users I have been triggered and have had to take a step back from their lives to protect myself and my kids. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Recognizing my trauma and triggers has allowed me to start to really understand myself and why I do what I do. I have learned so much in the last month about my mental health and am learning new things everyday. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: large;">SOMETHING I ATE</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">And I'm guessing this to be something I ate that I probably never eaten before? David and I tried for the first time Parmesan Roast Potatoes last month. You can <a href="https://www.recipetineats.com/crispy-roasted-parmesan-potatoes/" target="_blank">find the recipe here..</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">AND! I also finally got around to sending my friend the pear salad recipe I make! Here is a photo of it here with my sons Chicken Parma which was also on the blog not long ago! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesReKpxeIaje5wQSPC3Gg5OPJlqR9heF1sR23dQfI1GonI2jn33TiPsvDfOKMz9McLy9IYxtZ7IMz9C0wXMH2uLQrKNxEJUirTYU1bqzffUFALcCkY4iHuBAf1dtLxtVv3YOhpYkhXMhSWn_dhVwZdVEsCD8iK6vAhxn5az8_PuW-X4WXwaRzbsxG/s4032/23E1D6AC-D349-4F2F-BAA7-FB2B7A5FBD7D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesReKpxeIaje5wQSPC3Gg5OPJlqR9heF1sR23dQfI1GonI2jn33TiPsvDfOKMz9McLy9IYxtZ7IMz9C0wXMH2uLQrKNxEJUirTYU1bqzffUFALcCkY4iHuBAf1dtLxtVv3YOhpYkhXMhSWn_dhVwZdVEsCD8iK6vAhxn5az8_PuW-X4WXwaRzbsxG/s320/23E1D6AC-D349-4F2F-BAA7-FB2B7A5FBD7D.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGILV2-0c6CgmOPJkhIqIdJzLbegO6YH-4y8KG67en5VB0yUjk2ltOijH7mgsO4gVT-w5-QYjk4c3d2g6exAhdytJcV_9rSP4ZlA7WhkF13IX2OVF9c8tFcrnJ_Bqdwgu6nN8fi1C0XCJerZTui9W4DYubt7i_9Ya693WZ0qv3y8o-Apw_fD6557u/s4032/B1062F9A-BB21-47C1-AC51-5C6D620910D9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGILV2-0c6CgmOPJkhIqIdJzLbegO6YH-4y8KG67en5VB0yUjk2ltOijH7mgsO4gVT-w5-QYjk4c3d2g6exAhdytJcV_9rSP4ZlA7WhkF13IX2OVF9c8tFcrnJ_Bqdwgu6nN8fi1C0XCJerZTui9W4DYubt7i_9Ya693WZ0qv3y8o-Apw_fD6557u/s320/B1062F9A-BB21-47C1-AC51-5C6D620910D9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</p>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-77484530186754268512023-02-04T21:04:00.000+11:002023-02-04T21:04:30.015+11:00Blog Pen Pals<p style="text-align: center;"> So I've been thinking about this a lot lately and I'm finally getting around to posting it on my blog.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'd really love to connect with my blogging community on a more personal level as apposed to just following and commenting on each others blog posts. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I'd love to be able to email back and forth and share life with the people I follow and whom follow me.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I mean, my life isn't that interesting but I miss sharing things with my parents and siblings and now don't really talk to many people outside of work and my community.</p><p style="text-align: center;">If you'd be interested in becoming an email pen-pal with me please send through an email here:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>melofbacchus@hotmail.com</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_dad3_63cf_e8e1_b9e4" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/bM20KyYS27XvpreRI0p4VkdAncRLxiEYDZBgoU1npFwolS99DsHxwb-_UkYNpfYUPY8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><b><br></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Don't be shy, let's connect!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-80814637022502848102023-02-02T19:55:00.004+11:002023-02-04T19:58:49.144+11:00Partner Quiz<div>I saw this on Facebook tonight and thought I’d give it a go on my partner David.</div><div><br></div><div>Rules: WITHOUT prompting, ask your husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, significant other, friend these questions and write EXACTLY what they say. </div><div>The outcome can be hilarious. (You might be shocked at how well or little they know you).</div><div><br></div><div><b>•What is something I say a lot?</b> You love me?</div><div><br></div><div><b>•What makes me happy?</b> The beach</div><div><br></div><div><b>•How tall am I?</b> 5foot8?</div><div><br></div><div><b>•What's my favourite thing to do? </b>Sleep and Work</div><div><br></div><div><b>•What do I do when you're not around?</b> Miss me..</div><div><br></div><div><b>•What makes you proud of me?</b> Everything you do and how high you’ve gotten at work!</div><div><br></div><div><b>How do I handle the worst situations?</b> You go for a drive to clear your head or go to where there is water or the beach.</div><div><br></div><div><b>•What is my favourite food?</b> Well at the moment KFC sliders, we’ll not anymore, maybe the chicken thing you make? Like butter chicken and coconut rice. </div><div><br></div><div><b>•What is my favourite restaurant?</b> Back to Bacchus </div><div><br></div><div><b>•Where is my favourite place to visit?</b> Lakes Entrance maybe? Or Inverloch.</div><div><br></div><div><b>•Do you think you could live without me? </b>Hell no! </div><div><br></div><div><b>•How do I annoy you?</b> Oh fuck, how do you not annoy me? It’s a long list, I can’t put everything.. tickle me, rub me up the wrong way, you love annoying me.. it’s your main priority! </div><div><br></div><div><b>•Who is my celebrity crush?</b> Ben Affleck </div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b>•You get a phone call that I am in trouble, who am I with? </b>Could be ducking anyone, could be Rachy, but maybe Nat! I don’t know how bad Nat is. If you were still friends with Zo, I’d say her but I doubt you and rach are good girls! </div><div><br></div><div><b>•What's my best feature?</b> Can’t write that on the internet, fine, I’ll say.. eyes!</div><div><br></div><div><b>•What do I hate?</b> Hate?.. Hate um.. Mornings!</div><div><br></div><div><b>•What is my fav drink?</b> At the moment Coke. </div><div><br></div><div><b>•What gets my temper started?</b> Ha. … people that whinge! </div><div><br></div><div><b>•What's my shoe size?</b> 6?.. I don’t actually know your shoe size!</div><div><br></div><div><b>•Describe me in four words?</b> Beautiful, Loving, Caring and I don’t know if I can put the other one on there.. okay.. sexual.</div><div><br></div><div>All these answers were straight from my partner. He knows me so well in most things but not my shoe size! I loved doing this with him tonight. It really filled my cup. I’m not sure I’d be good at answering these for him but I love that he did these for me. So cute!</div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_925a_7ee2_e16f_defc" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/SaEAoj_pf1b_b1w_q-WKgfjNPq3xsU4lmy8drye5A2VM8T_eZ2yNgN5mbnQNMQ03Gvw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe try it with your partner!</div> Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-34895638796897037662023-01-30T20:28:00.001+11:002023-01-31T03:34:07.844+11:00First Day back to School Photos!<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="640" id="id_c124_b4b7_7cb_cc0f" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/3i6SKLQpmDKJuSTWZ3XA_oDj5yS8dwcKt7TPOQgfnwRFoGFJ5LrVsfXemYOEk5ie8_c=w640-h640" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seriously. Long gone are my cute littlies <a href="http://alotoflittlebitsoflove.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-very-emotional-week.html" target="_blank">with arms around each other and big toothless grins</a>. My son, now seventeen heading into year eleven didn't want the photo at all telling me to hurry up and not accepting his sisters arm around him while my daughter, thirteen and about to begin year eight smiled up big after taking hours to get ready and pissing me off in the process.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a quiet day at home for me on my day off but it was Max who missed Nevaeh the most today. Over the school holidays he has been coming inside and sleeping in Nevaeh's bedroom. Today he was back outside and the plan is that he comes in on weekends only. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a loved boy.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_35c3_4b6_e11_5421" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4k5ErBfySQ_EUrWumuhfrweKLM2cOIrBnP-XsBmgF7foNgTrYjFuPCbkDrLti9Ch3OQ" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip=""></div><br><div style="text-align: center;">After school Jie came into my bedroom to tell me about his day and that he missed his first legal study subject and tripled up on Math. He then practically begged me to go with him to the pool. I caved in and after the doctors this arvo we headed to the local outdoor pool. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_aba9_6be4_6471_3add" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/qaHMt1haSDQsD_SoeJp_rcAKYq3MgDoKbS3hGlyDNj941Be9UxzHOlevQm5yrOKrTew" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>At around 3.40pm we had the whole Bacchus Marsh Swimming Pool to ourselves for at least an hour. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was so refreshing and Jie and I enjoyed being idiots before having a more serious chat about his education, subjects, teachers and friends. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">After we returned home it was decided that Fish n Chips was on the menu for dinner tonight so David and I drove down to pick them up once ordered. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nevaeh strolled in the door at 7.30pm after spending the whole afternoon with her friends riding the local buses, hanging out at McDonalds and seeing her friends off at the train station. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">She did not want to talk about school or anything only asking what’s for dinner and that she was talking to a new boy “in real life” (oh no!) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I sent photos to her father of her in prep and the ones taken tonight. He said he’d been trying to call but I explained how she is just too cool for us these days. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Overall it was a good first day for them both. </div> </div>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-60079150919657057122023-01-24T00:50:00.003+11:002023-01-24T01:05:00.893+11:00Monday Mural - Aboriginal Art Melbourne, Australia<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img id="id_e72_5ec8_eaf_46c0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/XqW2fm8gVrW_B5NHu-rAdlbTmsEwx_im_3FIlhKKMzjvKtieFkNXfYopO7yfQovmBPk=s16000" style="height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 353px;" title="Try being born into an unwanted race" tooltip="" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I came across <a href="https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com/search/label/Murals" target="_blank">this blog hop</a> tonight and thought I'd join in.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com/search/label/Murals" target="_blank">"Mural Monday"</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I knew I'd taken this pic about a year ago and so I searched for it on my phone to join in on the hop.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not sure if you've all seen it before as I'm new to the hop and I think its the only mural I have.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But for those of you whom haven't seen it, the picture is of an Aboriginal Boy around 14-15yo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As our Australian nation divides itself with the coming of "Australia Day" in just a few days time, here are my thoughts. Our country is Australia and our city is Melbourne, this is what we were taught from a young age. But through more education and through the <a href="https://trove.nla.gov.au/" target="_blank">Australian Digitalized Newspapers</a> we realize that there were people living on this land before the arrival of the first fleet. We now know that there were many different clans/mobs whom occupied the lands with their own languages, lores, traditions, ceremonies, families whom we refer to now as the "Aboriginal" people. I really don't love that word as "ab" meaning abnormal put together with "original" only falsifies that they actually were the original occupants of the land. Through more education we find out that they were hunted and killed in large numbers, we learn of the stolen generation where children were taken from their parents and families - some never to return. We learn of the Stolen Wages and Generational trauma and poverty endured by our first nations people. We also learn that the lands we now live on are deeply rooted in racism and the unjustified deaths of the people whom first occupied, cared for and loved this country.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It just wouldn't be fair now knowing what we know for us to "celebrate" a day in which dances on the graves of our countries ancestors. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We need to together as a nation in our city of Melbourne in which we now know was named Narrm by our traditional elders in language to allow our first nation communities to mourn the loss of its people, its languages, its lores, its traditions and the families whom never made it back to their country or homes and allow them to celebrate their survival.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As educated people, we now have the ability and platforms to educate more people.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stop this Celebration of Australia Day Bullshit!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Find <a href="https://nit.com.au/20-01-2023/4764/survival-day-events-and-marches-in-australia-this-january-26?fbclid=IwAR1TcyhiLBd6qnB8Nz7XTznYnOnurXGAiHgyG6gSe9eigEUPcP_CRdTHJEE" target="_blank">Mourning Ceremonies and Survival Day Events</a> happening near you and truly wholeheartedly stand with and support these people whoms families have had to fight for just an ounce of what you get to enjoy today and for the ones who never made it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Mel x</h4> Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-86349557640982000012023-01-23T00:12:00.002+11:002023-01-23T01:19:47.494+11:00Jie’s Chicken Parmigiana<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Jiedyn has mastered the art of cooking his favorite take-away food. Whether out for dinner or ordering from the local pizza shop my son always seems to sticks to what he knows and already likes - Chicken Parmas! And yes, we call them parmas in our house, lets not get into the debate of Parma's and Parmi's because quite frankly, when ordering, and asking for either, you're going to get the same thing. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A Chicken Parmigiana.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_ebf3_2f08_7f83_b1f8" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LEjWKoOQKB-5lPxmgFPGtGRI4c5XlyXD8HcINchcWwu9EQni56ovnBPM6q3_YF54FKk" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients:</b></p><div style="text-align: center;">Olive oil</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 brown onion</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 clove garlic</div><div style="text-align: center;">200g Passata</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 teaspoon of salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 teaspoon brown sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">10g butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Chicken Breast</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pinch of White Flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">Panko Breadcrumbs</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shredded Cheddar Cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 egg</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Preparation:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat the oven to 220/200 degrees Celsius fan forced.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Finely chop one brown onion</div><div style="text-align: center;">Finely chop garlic</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To make the Sauce:</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a small saucepan heat a drizzle of olive oil over a medium heat. Cook onoin stiring until softened, 2-3 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Add Garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Add Passata, the salt, brown sugar and the butter. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Crumb the chicken</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, lay your hand flat on the chicken breast and gently slice the knife horizontally to make two even chicken steaks.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a shallow bowl, whisk the plain flour, a pinch of salt and egg until combined.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a second bowl pour in some panko breadcrumbs.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dip the chicken into the egg mixture and then coat in the panko crumbs.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Transfer to a plate.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cook the Chicken</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">In a large Frying Pan heat enough olive oil to coat the base of the pan over a medium temperature.</div><div style="text-align: center;">When the oil is hot cook the chicken until golden on both sides.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Transfer the chicken onto a lined baking tray.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Top both Chicken pieces with two heaped tablespoons on the sauce you made earlier and a good sprinkle of cheddar cheese.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bake until the cheese is golden and the chicken is cooked through. 8-10 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Serving Suggestions</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chips</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wedges</div><div style="text-align: center;">Salad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQr8oQR08YogK7ZlXn41v3JWqJpYcqbLH_4ocFHzYzaMF4VWtvNfWshuJYyHAi9It3aLTqqhgWusjeeTWKvcdG06VFblzHW_dhLMNaAoV1B_WRV7gWSGz8r6Ct_nzyL29tdoSeYeT6o-ozZVamkY31RfwVEHValrGQ4C4RyCw8XADWcs8ketQnriE/s398/44907A41-6B3F-4EB7-9FD2-672AB236628E.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQr8oQR08YogK7ZlXn41v3JWqJpYcqbLH_4ocFHzYzaMF4VWtvNfWshuJYyHAi9It3aLTqqhgWusjeeTWKvcdG06VFblzHW_dhLMNaAoV1B_WRV7gWSGz8r6Ct_nzyL29tdoSeYeT6o-ozZVamkY31RfwVEHValrGQ4C4RyCw8XADWcs8ketQnriE/s320/44907A41-6B3F-4EB7-9FD2-672AB236628E.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3260653897778754657.post-73839317073808172512023-01-20T02:10:00.001+11:002023-01-20T02:10:40.476+11:00Thankful Thursday<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="id_51c2_d0c0_ebfd_684f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cPKkfnLIN5X-3GAyyZcrlEoypXPuBo0eo3x5hevJqrhx1FSY0bkcfoA2nD2qzhR1V2w" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> This week I'm so thankful that my work colleague is back from leave and sickness. It was a pretty hectic two weeks without her and the time alone has definitely made me appreciate her all the more. I realize now just how much I have to learn and how needed she is for what I cannot do. A new found appreciation for sure.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">So incredibly thankful for friends who have stuck by my side through all life's ups and downs and whom check in on me and love me regardless of my weird distant phases. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Thankful for a supportive team around me at work, not only my workplace managers whom are approachable at anytime but my people at KIRRIP Aboriginal Corporation whom always have my back and have me feeling so loved, heard and so so supported. Working within the Aboriginal community with this type of support is so needed to keep your spirit strong. I love what I do but I couldn't do it without the love and support of my people.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Thankful for new connections with my Torres Strait Islander Family. I received a message from another one of my elders from the "Nawie" side of my family tree whom married into the family. Word must be getting around up there about "Uncle Laubry's Granddaughter down south" as that's who they know me as. It's been a beautiful journey finding my family and learning of my culture thus far. Excited to have now booked in a trip for June to go up to see them again.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Thankful for the brief time spent with my son this afternoon after work. My two kids (aged daughter 13 & son 17) are on school holidays at the moment and I'm working most days only able to catch up with them on weekends and my Mondays off as all of our sleeping patterns are off. Usually the kids are asleep until dinner time as they'd been up all night gaming with their friends so I get home from work, cook dinner, have a shower, watch some TV then go to sleep by around 7-8pm. I then get up at around 12-1am to clean a little, blog and prepare for the following day getting back to bed at around 3-4am. To which I consider "my-time". But tonight after work, Swim & Gym and shopping I came home to cook dinner for the fam and Jie came into my room to watch "Secret Life of 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds" with me as I ate my dinner and enjoyed a scotch on the rocks. Thankful for him laying up beside his mama for this one on one time.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Thankful for my blog and the ability to be able to document mine and my childrens lives for future generations. Thankful for my friends and followers I've met along the way and for all that I have done here. It keeps me motivated and is by far my favorite place to be. Whether reading posts of the pasts or creating new ones I really do love every aspect of blogging.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Thankful for full bellies, ice cream after dinner, savings accounts, the ability to save, hot showers, fresh sheets, cold bottles of water in the fridge, scotch to relax with after work, my daughters laughter, the sound of my sons guitar, messages from my niece, a car to get me here and there, specials at Coles which keeps us under budget when shopping, my partner keeping the kitchen clean for me to come home and cook dinner, clean clothes, comfortable shoes, the ability to do work notes at home, the ability to turn my work phone off out of hours etc. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">So much to be thankful for this <a href="http://all4boys.blogspot.com/2023/01/thankful-thursday-11923.html" target="_blank">Thankful Thursday!</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Linking up for the first time <a href="http://all4boys.blogspot.com/2023/01/thankful-thursday-11923.html" target="_blank">Jennifer's blog-hop here..</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Feel free to join the blog hop or just comment your thankfulness below.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Melissa Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06130246026884985254noreply@blogger.com1