Signage is everything

My new signs were delivered this weekend. Brian was very busy and very productive building and painting all weekend. He built sign posts for my signs to hang off - and painted them. It all feels real and professional now.

Brian's cousin Jody stopped by with her boyfriend Darren and she helped me choose paint colours for the clinic (she is more artistic and visual than I am) . I'm happy with what we came up with. The waiting area is going to be painted a greeny colour called Avocado something... and I'm painting a portion of a feature wall in a soft red. I have a beautiful microsuede chair in the same colour. It will look very classy. The massage room will be a coffee colour and the trim and ceiling throughout will be a cream colour.

I bought a Japanese screen door off trade me for $50 to separate the two rooms. I felt it was nicer than just having an ordinary door. The screen keeps it "open" and bright yet provides adequate privacy. It will be lovely. I just can't wait to get it done!


We also bought a water feature for the garden from a local artist. He makes the most wonderful features out of concrete and shells.

We've had our eye on this one for months and finally decided it was time to get it. It's made out of Paua and Mother of Pearl shells and the water cascades down ... really lovely and just perfect for the space. The garden needed the sound of water - and this feature recycles it's own water so it doesn't need to be hooked up to a water system to run. Now the cats have a fresh water bowl in the garden! They'll love that.

The renovations should be close to complete next weekend when Brian comes home to finish them. The wiring and electrical is getting done during the week while he's away and when he comes home he will just need to insulate, whack the walls up and frame the door. I'll do the painting and get the carpet installed... and it will be all ready to go!

The sign on the street certainly created a buzz. People walked by and looked at it, commenting on how nice it was. I was watching from my lounge and felt a bit embarrassed by the publicity! I suppose I'd better get used to it! Soon I hope they'll be booking in for treatment.

All is well with Mrs. P and Me!

People have been asking about Mrs. P and how she is getting on now that I have moved away. It's very sweet of you all to ask and I wanted to let you know that she is doing quite well! She misses having us here and I know she especially misses the the girls (and the cat). Mrs P has been promising me a nice sunset ever since we first moved here in December 2005. This was the one... we got to see it just before we moved away. It was stunning. Below with the tail of the cruise ship heading off...

I am still working with Mrs. P from 8:30am - 1:30pm every day except Tuesdays. I have weekends off to spend with the girls. Brian is now working away in Tokoroa on a contract that could last up to 12 months so he stays there in a motel Mon-Sat. He comes home Saturday evenings and leaves again Monday mornings. We don't get to see much of him, but it's a sacrifice we all need to make since I'm not making much of an income at the moment. This past week he was home a few nights because he was needed up at the farm to do some work there - so he's not a complete stranger!

Mrs. P has 5 other carers besides myself, three of us come each day. I'm here in the mornings, another carer comes from 3 - 8pm, and another one comes at 8pm - 8am to stay the night. Everyone seems very nice and Mrs. P hasn't complained much about any of them. I think she is getting more attention and conversation which is good. We just need to work on some more consistency and everything will be perfect!

I have finally bitten the bullet and joined the gym! It's been 3 years since I've had proper exercise and enough was enough. I got a great deal on a gym membership and I can take the girls with me - and they can do all of the classes for free! That was the clincher. They will keep me motivated, and it will give us something to do. I'm already feeling the difference and it's only been a week.

The weather has changed overnight - just like in Canada when September arrives. We seem to be in our Autumn season now. The nights have cooled off (last night we lit our first fire in our potbelly stove!), the mornings are crisp and you don't want to get out of bed, and you don't know what on earth to wear in the morning! The rain has come and it's been raining on and off all week. I couldn't get my washing in off the line for days!

I love this time of year. It feels like a time for new beginnings. I love the crisp clean air and although we won't have a true "fall" here with maple leaves crunching under our feet - I still enjoy the knowledge that it's time to slow down and hibernate a little.

Last weekend Brian and I had a massive clean up in the garden. We pruned and divided plants, replanted and tore out heaps! We had a heaping trailer full to take to the dump. It was a big, dirty job but felt very rewarding afterwards. Things look much tidier now and it helps to get that job done so that I can start focusing on the clinic. I have ordered my signs - they are done on huge slabs of Macrocarpa wood (a type of wood down under which is beautiful). I will hang out out at the front of the house which will be seen from the street (I'll take photos when they arrive). It will say "Magic Hands Massage Clinic" with a set of Natalya's hands (I'm stealing that idea from Michelle but don't tell her!) and my name. It will look great. I will have two other signs done which will help guide people to the back where the clinic is located.

Brian prepared the garage yesterday so that he can start the framing for the new waiting area. I'm looking forward to getting that done. I can't wait to start advertising. I've already got a list of people waiting to get in - but I don't want to start until things are done properly and professionally. I'm worried that it's going to take off like wild fire and I won't know what hit me. I'm lucky that Brian is working away so that I can focus all of my free time (what I have of it anyway) on work in the evenings and on Saturdays.

I love my job. It's the most peaceful thing you can do - giving a massage is just as relaxing as getting one - when I am in the right frame of mind. I have my music going, the room is tranquil, the energy is good and my hands start moving like a dance. I forgot how much I loved it.

Once I get 20 regular patients I am going to install a hot tub. My patients can have a soak before and after their massage and they won't be given a time limit like most commercial clinics. I'm going to have Brian install an outdoor shower so that they can rinse off. It's going to be a huge draw. That's something I couldn't imagine having back home in Canada - but it's a real possibility here.

And here are some more recent visitors to our garden. They "appeared" last week. Sadly I had to save a few from the cats - and who will never get a chance to fly - but I hope they are happy enough living in our bushes. Poor things. What do you suppose the most humane thing to do would be???

A day with Hamish Carter

Today was a very special day indeed. Chantelle was surprised infront of her entire school by a very special guest - Hamish Carter.

You see, last week I was contacted by a rep from Sanitarium foods (the Kiwi Kellogg's) asking how Chantelle was doing after her accident at the Tryathlon. Hayley was very kind to all of us when Channy had her crash - and she told me that she was going to get a signed t-shirt for Chantelle. I wrote back to her and told her that Chantelle was fine and how brave she was - how she didn't cry at all!

Hayley forwarded the email on to Hamish Carter - who asked if he could come to see Chantelle. She was a role model for other kids - she was brave and she didn't let her accident scare her enough to give up.

So today was the day... Hamish flew up from Christchurch just to come to Mount Primary School to surprise Chantelle! (the photo to the right includes my friend Sharyn who came out with me to support Channy) I had been thinking about what I could give Hamish to thank him for taking the time to change the life of a little girl. There were some nice little trinkets... but really, does Hamish need another trinket? Then it occurred to me that the best gift I could give him would be a massage.

I wrote to Hayley with the offer. After I sent the email I realized that they might all think I'm a complete Nutter - a Stalker or something. So I sent an emergency email to my friend back home - Monica's husband Tim. Tim was a regular patient of mine and he is also a Triathlete - he participated in the Worlds in Spain a few years ago. I told Tim of my intentions - and asked him to write a reference letter to Hamish so that he knew I was legitimate.That's Tim with Phil the dog, enjoying the tranquility while on a camping trip in Ontario's Algonquin Park. Tim and Hamish are strikingly similar in both personality AND looks.

Hayley got back to me to say that Hamish had to be in Auckland shortly after the school visit, so there wouldn't be any time for a massage.

While Hamish and I were chatting in the Principal's office before the assembly today I mentioned the whole massage thing - and how I realized that it could have been misunderstood. I mentioned Tim's email and Hamish asked what Tim's last name is... well it just so happens that Hamish remembers Tim very well from the Worlds (you see, they are very similar characters so it's not at all surprising that they became good friends). What a small world! The principal and Chantelle's teacher were floored - who IS this Canadian girl - she knows EVERYONE! (that's Tim and Monica - with the beautiful voice - and their daughter Maia! I hope you don't mind that I'm including you in my blog guys!!! It's such a gorgeous family photo I couldn't resist).



The school assembled outside and I snuck in around the back so that Chantelle and Natalya wouldn't see me. Hamish made his appearance and made a simple speech about doing their best and trying hard... he was so "normal". Just an average guy who just so happens to be an Olympic World Athlete. And then he started to talk about his reason for being there - a very special little girl... and he called Chantelle up to stand beside him.

She was horrified - and in a state of shock and disbelief. She hardly smiled and I could tell by her face that she wished she could just disappear! Chantelle HATES being the centre of attention. But what Hamish did for her will forever change the way she sees herself. He praised her in front of the entire school. Then he called Natalya up too. He had presents for both of them! They each got Weetbix bags full of promotional stuff - wallets, hats, towels, t-shirts (signed by Hamish and the NZ female Triathlete Debbie Tanner). He also gave Chantelle three pairs of Nike running shoes and a brand new bike! It was too much!!

I told Hamish earlier that Channy wouldn't care about the stuff - she doesn't value "things". The greatest gift he would give her would be the gift of confidence and pride in herself. She will never forget this day. He's an amazing person - not because he is an Olympic Athlete - but because he has taken his star and is using it to brighten the paths of children who can't see the light.

THAT is a hero. The world needs more Hamish Carters. Why can't more people see that success is a gift that is meant to be shared?

So the rest of the day went by in a blur for the girls. Kids came up to them and kept telling them how lucky they were... but there were also kids who told Channy that she wasn't THAT special and she was a show off! Kids can be SO nasty when one stands out from the rest.

I told Chantelle that now if any kids are mean to her or try to pick on her she can say, "I don't care what you say because Hamish Carter thinks I'm amazing."

What a blessing.

Come on... tell me this kid isn't a natural star herself? Here we are putting pink highlights through her hair! They suited her beautifully.

**btw, the bike is WAY too big for Chantelle so she is letting me ride it. Everyone in the family got new bikes last year - except for ME! I've been riding a piece of crap so maybe now I'll lose a little weight with the incentive of a nice smooth ride.

Chantelle is 9 years old!

It was Channy's birthday on the 3rd of March. She had her first sleepover - and invited her friend Nicky from school (she is the one second from the right, standing next to Chantelle). Nicky was the first friend Chantelle made last year when she started at Mt. Primary. The two of them got into mischief quite a bit last year so I was trying to keep them separated - but they are very "connected" so it hasn't worked. Nicky is in a different class this year but they are still the best of friends. Nicky lost her mother when she was 6 years old - so I think that is the commonality that they share. She now lives with her older sister Anna - and I had a chance to meet her. She was a lovely soul. Kind and gentle natured. We got to talk about the girls - and found out that they are very very similar. Nicky has never had a close friend before she met Chantelle... and this was the first sleepover for the two of them. It was very special. Nicky isn't a trouble child as I first thought - she is just a lost child like Channy was.

Chantelle invited three other girls over for the following day from 1-5pm. We went down to the beach for a swim and Brian and I prepared a "beach dig" for the kids. I wrapped 8 presents and numbered them. We had 8 clothes pegs which were also numbered that we buried in the sand. The object of the game was that the kids had to dig for the pegs - and whatever number peg they found, that's the present they got. It seemed like an easy enough task... but only three pegs were found! I even got in there to dig... and found nothing. A friend of mine was out for a swim with her dog Oscar - and Oscar got into the dig too!!! But came up with nothing. I guess we buried them TOO well. So I got the kids to chose a number between one and eight.

We had doughnuts and ice cream and Channy unwrapped her prezzies. It was a great party. I was delighted that Chantelle has made some new friends this year. It was a huge change from last year when she kept to herself and bullied other kids. The kids at her party were sweet and lovely girls - similar to Chantelle's true personality. She's finally discovering who she is.



Granny Goose's parcel arrived the morning of Chantelle's birthday! You have impeccable timing mom! She was thrilled with all of the goodies you sent. There's nothing more exciting in this household than when a parcel arrives from Granny Goose.


And this is a photo of the courgette (zucchini for us Canadians) that came out of our garden! It grew that big in just over a week! I stuffed it with mince (ground beef) and tomatoes (from the garden) and onions with lots of spices... smothered with cheese! It was DELICIOUS!!!

2007 Weetbix Tryathlon

On February 25th Natalya and Chantelle participated in their first Kids Triathlon! They've been biking to school everyday (weather permitting) and even though we've moved further from school and the traffic is heavier - they are still biking! You'd never know they were little country kids just one year ago!

Last year they watched the kids do the triathlon down at Pilot Bay where we lived with Mrs. P - and they REALLY wanted to do it - but they weren't ready yet. So I prepared them mentally and physically so that they could enter this year. They practiced their swimming, I made them sweat their little butts off riding to school and they are already agile little runners. They were ready.

The Weetbix Tryathlon was held at Memorial Park in Tauranga this year. There were 1400 entries and Pilot Bay just couldn't support those numbers. Memorial Park was a great venue. The kids swam 100m in the pool (of course not all at the same time - they went in age groups and divided into small numbers), a 4km bike ride (the kids ride farther than that to school each way), and a 1.5km run.

When we arrived the girls were so excited! They got settled in to their age groups, parked their bikes in the transition area, donned their swimming caps and enjoyed the excitement and entertainment of the day. In the bike ride portion - the kids had to ride up a pretty steep hill - Chantelle looked at it and said, "We get to ride down that hill?!" She has never ridden down a hill before (Mt. Maunganui is pretty flat). Her wheels were clearly spinning - and it was her aim to "fly" down that hill. Chantelle was determined to WIN. I told her it wasn't a race... that she was just to do her best... but it fell on deaf ears. WIN WIN WIN chanted in her little head.

Natalya went first and I got photos of her getting out of the pool. I ran with her to the transition area and waited until she got on her bike so I could get a shot of her. Then I ran across the park to the fountain (which someone had put washing powder in so it was all soapy and foam was everywhere!) so that I could get a good shot of her doing the final leg of the event - the run. I was sprinting around so much and I almost knocked a few unsuspecting parents over trying to get action shots with my camera! I was so excited. Now I understand how parents live vicariously through their children. Unfortunately I didn't see her finish because Chantelle's age group was about to begin. Natalya did so well... she was consistent and focused. She took it all very seriously. Natalya wanted to do her very best! I was so proud of her.

Brian and I split up and I watched Channy do the swim(she's the third from the left in the photo above in the pink)... and ran to the transition area to get her coming out on her bike. I was sweating at this point... I think I had run 10k myself! I really knocked a woman over - but she was in my way! I had a kid to chase! I stopped and apologized for being so rude... but luckily she understood my excitement! Channy had a HUGE smile across her face the whole time! I knew she was going to enjoy herself but it was obvious that she was having a ball! I got a shot of her heading up the hill - where she passed 6 kids easily. I ran over to the transition area to get a shot of her coming in to do the run...

She took a long time... gosh it was a long ride... then my phone rang... OMG!

It was Brian, he was in the ambulance with Chantelle. There was an announcement over the speakers, "would the parents of Chantelle Nicoll please report to the Weetbix tent"... I didn't hear it but Brian was at the finish waiting for Natalya so he was right there.

Channy flew down that hill alright! She flew right out of her seat and landed smack on her chin (she wouldn't dare graze her brand new helmet!). The poor little poppit was so brave and didn't even cry! They presented her gold medal to her in the ambulance and she just beamed! That's all she wanted. It was pretty gruesome - and I'm really glad I wasn't there to see the crash because I would have been hysterical. There was SO MUCH blood!

Brian went to the hospital with Channy and I found Natalya (who was waiting at the finish to see her sister come in). We stayed for the awards and enjoyed the entertainment - and got in line for a few autographs. Hamish Carter was there signing kids shirts and presenting the gold medals. He was really gracious and wonderful - because people were constantly calling out to him and he remained very composed. I was one of those people - the pushy mother who pushed Natalya through the crowd to get her shirt signed. Hamish kindly signed her shirt and said, "tough break" when I told him that we had to go to the hospital to get our other kid.

Channy was so brave. When we got to the hospital she was still waiting to get stitched up. They took x-rays of her jaw which showed a possible hairline fracture - we have to watch that - it could snap if she bites down on something hard)... but otherwise she was incredibly lucky. She had a number of cuts and bruises on her chest, arms and legs - and a pretty nasty gash in her chin. Nat and I sat outside while she was getting stitches... we have weak stomachs. Chantelle didn't shed a tear... she was tough man!

Her face was pretty swollen - but she insisted on going to school the following day. This was very good brag material... kids are fascinated by stitches.

The Cat Garden

Okay, I'm making some time to update you all! Life is certainly busy and I am still not connected to the internet at home yet. Actually, I AM but it's just dial-up and it drives me mad because it's so slow!

We are all settled in the house. My office is set up and I have started doing massages again. I have to admit, it feels great getting back into it! I feel a bit rusty - but apparently I haven't lost my touch. I already have two regular patients and a list of others waiting to get in once I'm officially set up. Brian is going to start constructing the waiting area and we've been tidying up the garden - and preparing areas to install a water feature and the spa tub of course.

I've been content exploring my garden. The Tamarillo fruit is beginning to turn colour (I can't wait until they are ready to pick - they are SO yummy!), the lemons are growing and our Swan Plant has fed dozens of fat caterpillars which are now happily turning into Monarch Butterflies in their chrysalis'. I check on them everyday. It's so fascinating.

The garden is such a bonus with this house. Of course, a great garden not only attracts good birds and insects (AND mosquitoes!) but it also attracts cats! Our house came with it's very own cat - who was happily living in our bushes. I assumed he was a stray because he's quite skinny and he looks a bit rough around the edges.... but he's SO friendly! I took him to the vet to have him checked out and discovered that he belonged to our next door neighbours (who just moved and left their cat behind). He had been hit by a car a few months ago - and they didn't pay the vet bill - so they skipped town! A bit drastic isn't it? Well, I just so happen to love cats and this one is especially lovely so we're keeping him. We named him Buster - because I kept asking him "who do you think you are Buster?" whenever he ate Mac's food. Mac has a love/hate relationship with him which I hope settles itself out soon. Mac has a bit of an issue with sharing - and I think is a bit jealous of Buster.

Plus, our other neighbours have a little white kitten who practically lives at our house too. I don't know what it's name is so we just call it Kitten. It looks like a little skinny white rat - and I'm sure they don't feed it or play with it. So we're looking after it. He is just so adorable - and he's got one blue eye and one green eye!

I'm turning into the little 'ol woman who lived in a shoe it seems!