carnage in the kitchen

Posted on Wed 5 December 2007 at 09:36

Melissa mentioned to me yesterday that the plastic bottle of tomato paste in the fridge seemed to be leaking.  I forgot all about it until about half an hour ago - so when I saw it, I thought I would just empty it down the drain. 

WRONG!!!

The bloody thing had fermented and when I flipped the flip-top, it exploded.  I was stood at the kitchen sink (luckily I had the intelligence to hold it into the sink - thank the lord for small mercies!) so most of it was contained in the sink.  But it hit me in the chest and I looked like like I had suffered a fatal gunshot wound.  I shouted Melissa so she could have a laugh at my expense and I thought she was going to wet herself laughing!  It was on the walls, my handbag, the window, the microwave: you name it: it was on there.  God: death by tomato paste!  Not something that makes the headlines often!

Melissa has now been in school for 2 days.  She seems to have made some friends already and is happy there.  That is one of the best things about the transient RAF lifestyle we used to lead:  at least she has moved schools several times before so this isn't too much of a shock to her.  And she is going to school with kids she has met before so that is really settling and supportive for her.  She is coping really well and when I ask her if she is happy here, she always replies "Mum, I've already told you I'm OK"  Well, forgive me for asking!

I went to Tawa with Jackie (spackster) today to get another tattoo done.  But he was too busy right then.  Which was quite disappointing.  But he phoned me back early this evening and said I could go over right then.  So, all nervous anticipation, I dropped Melissa off with Donna and headed off.  I'm really pleased with it - it's a unicorn that Melissa found on the internet - just the head and front legs.  I've been thinking about it for the past year or so and this just seemed an appropriate time for it.  To signify the start of my new life.  To channel the pain of the last few months into the point of the needle and be able to put it behind me. 

Then we headed into the shopping centre at Porirua and had lunch.  I may never cook a roast again as Melissa doesn't really care for it and I can't be bothered doing it just for me but when there are places that will provide a roast lamb dinner for $11, I will quite happily do that instead.  I bought a hoodie top for the girl - couldn't see anything in the kids section so ended up buying a ladies XS.  Ans when I got to the till, it cost me $4.40 instead of $27.90 as it had been reduced and I hadn't even noticed - what a bargain.  But already looks like the cats have been wearing it - God only knows how they have any hair left left to shed as she has groomed to near baldness.

The letting agent Russell came round today.  He has been very helpful - even lent me a freeview satellite box as the reception round here is dire.  But I bought my own today so was able to give him his back.  Anyway, he appeared at the door and asked if I wanted some wood for the log-burner.  He then proceeded to cut it up with his chainsaw on the front lawn.  We threw it over the fence, where it still is incidentally, and I will stack it somewhere dry tomorrow.  He has beeen great, even asked me if I wanted to go round and use his land-line to set up my own land-line and get organised with an electricity provider - which I did.  Thankfully, I met his wife round there so know he has no ulterior motive.  It's nice to see people offering help for no other reason than they want to help - restores your faith in human nature a bit.  I must get him a bottle of wine and a card just as a courtesy to show my appreciation.

I have seen so many people since moving here.  Many of the local forum members have dropped in to say hello.  Thanks people: it's been so nice to meet you finally and to have your support.  3 of my neighbours have been round to introduce themselves which has been good too.  I really should organise a house-warming but my life is such a social whirl, I haven't got round to it yet!!

And I'm all broadbanded up.  I was using dial-up until they could connect me but far happier with broadband.  And I did it all myself: for those of you who know me well; you know just how un-technical I am, so I'm well impressed with myself and how much I have acheived.

Well done me!