I SCREAM!

We made a trip into the city on Monday - I had to go into work, so Matty and Jessica decided to come in with me and see the sights while I was in the office. Sounds like they had a lovely time at Southgate, Birrarung Marr, the Arts Centre, the Shrine and the Botanical Gardens (Matt even showed Jessica the Floral Clock; I can remember as a child nagging Mum & Dad to take me to see it anytime we were remotely near the city!) Matt received lots of kudos from a group of old ladies waiting for Half Tix to open, and even had his picture taken by a group of tourists. Perhaps the men don't commonly help with the babies in Japan? At 2.30 I excitedly tore out of work and the three of us went to St Kilda beach. It felt so good to be doing something different. Work has been so busy lately, at times I have been feeling that all I do is work, work, work, and work! Although I do love the work, I get a bit tired and sometimes I feel that there is not a real balance. Some days I haven't even been able to leave the house. Anyhow, we had a lovely time feeding the seagulls (Finding Nemo was so spot-on), walking along St Kilda Pier, and having coffee and a sandwich at the Pier Kiosk (I had been so busy at work that I hadn't eaten!). This was followed by a walk along the beach and finally a trip up Acland Street to 7 Apples, a fantastic gelateria. Matt had a cup of fruity gelati, and I (completely out of character) went for bubblegum, panna cotta and coconut! No wonder I felt sick when we got home. I felt a bit mean eating such a fun-looking item in front of Jessica, so (with Matt's agreement) decided to let her have a taste. For a little girl, eating ice cream means using your hands as well as your mouth! She didn't love the taste - it was a bit sickly, not up to the usual standard at 7 Apples - but I think she had fun. Work is now finished for the week - I put in a pretty big day yesterday, and was up until midnight. I'm very excited now; it feels like Christmas to be able to have tomorrow off! Tonight's agenda includes take away Berwick Thai, and perhaps some Nanny McPhee on DVD. But for now, I'd better go and do the vacuuming. It's been a veeeeeery busy work week, and the house looks like it's ready to be condemned.