Masters of Conflict Resolution

Well since I created this post, with our son Nathan to keep you informed of Russell's whereabouts, it looks like it's my duty to explain these photos that were taken last Friday night - 28th April. As you can tell, Russell graduated and as the title of this blog says, he got his "Masters of conflict resolution". Just a few more letters to add to his name. He has previously earned a bachelor of theology and a post-graduate diploma in Pastoral counselling.
He has worked very hard over the past few years to get his masters and we, along with the chancellor of the university, congratulated him on his fine effort.

In the next photo, "Graddy" as the teddy is referred to, was awarded to Russell's dear wife for her support in his endeavour to study etc.

At the end of the night, we also bought clothing from the university. TShirts for the boys and a Rugby jumper that will keep me warm during winter. (Me, being Carolanne - the dear wife.)


Russell did have an embarrassing moment on the evening. As he returned his robe and cap to the hirers of such garments, they asked him "How did it go?" Now, assuming they asked everyone that, they probably also expected the right reply of "good thanks," which is what came off Russell's lips too. However, as I was following behind him, I thought "What a stupid question... what do they expect to hear?" so I replied, out loud with, "Actually, not so good. They decided he couldn't have the award after all. He failed".

Russell blushed and decided that he would not take me there again and asked me to keep my voice down as the graduates of the Fraud Investigation Law Students had been in front of him during the ceremony.

That's fine by me since I told him that's the last time he can study again. He doesn't need more letters after his name and besides, he's getting too old to continue studying. He was one of the oldest there, after all!

Current Questions

Well I thought that I would get in first on this ocassion. So I want to answer two questions which are:

1/ Why the monkey bars?
It all started on our holiday to Echuca. It was often over 40 degrees celcius and playing basketball, volleyball, etc with Nathan showed a contrast in our areobic fitness. Nathan is very fit and I recognised that I had to put more effort into this area.
My problem is that I still have to take Jemimah for a run every morning. I can't ride fast on my push-bike because I have discovered if she suddenly goes in a different direction, I come off fllying. However, I decided that running with Jemimah could be the go. So each morning I go for a run with Jemimah instead.

That's worked well. Then, in the Herald Sun they have this special feature called Body and Soul. In the middle of this section they have a fitness section. About 2 months ago they had a description on why chin-ups are beneficial. So, in addition to the run, I do chin ups on the monkey bars at 6:15am every morning (sometimes a bit later on weekends).
Then I throw in a few glides on the flying fox (see below).

Last Sunday morning I was on a roll and did a few too many glides. I have found that I have worked my way up to 5 chin-ups at a time and I did this a few times. I know that you are meant to do warm ups, but I don't find I get this done that often in a morning.

After church I took a box of Sunday School things out of Carolanne's car and I felt something go. As you can see it is not a huge box, but was it the box or the monkey bars? By the way, Nathan is concerned whether anybody sees me at 6:15am on the monkey bars.

By Sunday night I was really sore. Monday morning my jog was a very slow stroll. Getting out of the car on Monday morning was a real challenge. But, getting out the work car (a Nissan Pulsar) was an even greater challenge. During the week it started to get better. I know it is not a back problem per se, but it is in the muscles. Hamstring stretches really are a struggle.

Carolanne's brother is a great massager. He is trained and works on the the no pain-no gain principle. He starts massaging and you are grimacing with pain. He has this little wry smile come over his face and he says, "I haven't really started." After an hour or so of agony, you really benefit. He has turned swollen knees from football into moveable knees in one session. Then he gives you the talk about "You really need to come back on a consistent basis." You know he's right, but when the pain goes away you tend to forget about it. I have considered going back this week.

So was it the box or the monkey bars?

Question 2--What's going on in the Garage?

About 4 months ago, I decided to put up shelves in the Garage. One of the things I did was take the table (which is the table we used when I was growing up) and used it as shelving. It is a creative way of hoarding. Underneath this take, I had another cupboard but when I was putting it all together, I noticed the cupboard had borers in it.

There is a Pest Conrol man, who sadly has passed away recently. He told me many horror stories about borers. This Pest Control man was very blunt, but was very helpful. He still charged me like a wounded bull, but always seemed to go the extra mile to help me. When he inspected the house, he told me "off the record": "Russell--I have to write all this rubbish down for indemnity insurance purposes, but you have got no worries with this house. Russell--they built this house in the days when they actually knew how to build houses. It is very solid and extremely clean inside and out".

Every time I have looked at that cupboard in recent months, I have thought of the borers and the horror stories he has told me about borers. So, I decided to sieze the opportunity to get rid of that old cupboard and build one in it's place. Now that I have my spiffy new cutter, I can actually do that. As you can see by the photo it is a work in progress but at the end, I will have more than enough room to store my things and I have will have a borer free garage.

So, that's what's going on in the garage.

Milk and Diet Coke

Well here I am - but who am I?
This morning my son caught me drinking milk for breakfast. The milk had a "shot" of diet coke in it. I was hoping no one would catch me. It was only a little bit of milk in the bottom of the cup and I only put a tiny bit of diet coke in. I didn't want to ruin the flavour of the cocktail.
A long time ago, a man shared with me that he tried not to drink alcohol before 12 noon and here I was at 9am having a shot.
I told my son the old line about do what I say, not as I do.
My son and wife have decided to begin a blog for me - hence this title and post.
Sometimes they will add to it, sometimes I might even.

Russell's Added Comment: Well as the original source, I will just say: "Let's not let the truth get in the way of a good story".