It’s my birthday and I’ll cry if I want to, cry if I want to... yet... I don’t want to... so I won’t! (That song is now stuck in my mind – damn it!)

Is my birthday - has been fab!!!!

Some of you know that it has been a bit stressful this last week, and I thank my dear friends that replied to my ‘venting’ email, or telephoned me to make sure I was okay (just all got on top of me for a bit there). I felt so down, and your kind words and understanding really cheered me up. Sometimes it just all gets too much hey.

This birthday morning started with PRESENTS from Kristy. She is so lovely. I now have a brand new pair of Ray Bans (sunnies), a new bracelet and many pairs of new Bonds underwear (Kristy is obsessed with Bonds undies – at last count she had over 70 pairs. She is banned from buying anymore for herself for at least a month, so she bought me some instead!). Kristy also organised me to have a facial – my first for a really long time! It was sooooooo good! Kristy has gone to a lot of trouble to make sure my birthday has been a good one. What would I do without her??!! She even purchased an additional bracelet, in case I didn’t like the original one she had got for me – how nice is that!!??

Thank you Anita and Mark for the excellent singing card (“Cant touch this) and the money (Yay – the money is going towards a new (and flash and comfortable and back supporting) camp chair (anything will be better than the $7.00 chair I am currently using). Donna, what was that camping chair that you recommend?

Thank you Mumma for the funny card, kind words and Powerball ticket (everyone cross your fingers, and if you really do cross your fingers, and I win, I may just share with you!). Mumma’s card read, “Looking great! Just goes to show that years of clean living...” (and now on the inside of the card) “aren’t really necessary!” Karen, Jake, Peter – you will relate to this!

Thank you Mel for the Snake Venom for my birthday (just to clarify – it is a new type of face moisturizer.. well.. a pre-moisturizer... supposedly very good on wrinkles – I will keep you all updated on if it really does work). For those that know me, yes, any face cream is an excellent present. The snake venom cream may kill me, but at least I will be looking good!

In addition, thank you to the following people for the happy birthday phone calls, text messages and Facebook messages:

• Sharon A – who also sent a card to me via Alice Springs post office – OMG you are a LEGEND!! Thank you thank you thank you!
• Karen – yes, I am the birthday princess!
• Jake –thanks for singing Happy Birthday on my voice mail. I luv you to bits too. Soon it is your day, you big Virgo you!!
• Amanda – and you rang with a job opportunity (perhaps) too! You are def my Alice Springs angel! I hope I get the job!
• Fiona & Karen – you 2 love birds were the first with birthday wishes!
• Ursula – loved the exhibition. Hope your flu gets better. I will remember to breathe deep.
• Josie – you sang Happy Birthday via text – so cute! Can’t believe you remembered!
• Vik – ahh girl, what can I say? You are such an inspiration.
• Wayne & Richard – you guys are the best! Yes, I got very spoilt today.
• Liv & Kim – hope you are enjoying living together, ta for the birthday wishes.
• Jodi – we have a powerful friendship. Talk soon. xx
• Virginia (Ginny) – definitely going to have you cook for me next time we are in town!
Lisa – I am not feeling old, so all ok. Lol.
• Gayle – yes, I feel warm and happy today. TY darl. Would be good to chat soon!
• Sue – loved your birthday wishes, all the way from Hawaii!
• Mandy – I did have a good day. TY again for the chat the other night.
• Margaret & Mark – thanks so much for remembering!! Was lovely to hear from you. See you in October for the wedding!
• Kellie – ta for FB message. Hope the kids are well!
• Suzie & Theo – thanks for singing Happy Birthday via email! When are we seeing you guys up here??? Come on Theo – let’s get organising!
• Craig – I promise I won’t do anything that you wouldn’t (don’t think it leaves me much!!)
• Carole (Dizzy) – it’s been ages, thanks for the birthday message on FB!
• Ra – you are a doll!
• Pete and Trisse – two of my most fav straight people! Well, two of my most fav people in fact! Love that you two are about to get married - can't think of a better, more in-love couple!
• Jodie – Thanks for FB message, and yes, it is a fantastic day.
• Elana – awwww, you lovely woman!
• Morag – so great to hear from you, hope you are well.
• Tony & Holly – all the way over in the UK – lots of hugs.

Also, Laura A (Was LOVELY to meet you - wish you were going to the wedding!!), Deb (such a nice message you left for me on FB!!!! I have touched your life in good way - so much thank you's for that!!), Simon and Michelle - you guys.... OMG - thanks for thinking of me today!

I also have to acknowledge Tania (spinnychick)- you and I have some memories and I am so glad to have you reading the blog. Thank you for your continued comments and good wishes. Big big hugs to you. Am so glad that your life is so full. xxxx

If I have forgotten to acknowledge anyone, I beg your forgiveness. xxxx

It was so bloody lovely to hear from so many people! I love travelling, but sometimes I can feel a bit separated from everyone so thank you all for remembering my birthday. It was like having an electronic birthday party, without presents, food or alcohol. Well... without alcohol for you (I am currently having a glass of vino).

Mel arrives in Alice Springs tomorrow, with Elle, and so have hired a campervan and we are all driving to the rock once they fly in. I want to show them both Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon (if there is time) and a little bit of Alice. Unfortunately, the weather predicts rain and thunderstorms for the next few days – ahhhh, what do the weather forecasters know??!! Anyway, whatever, coz we will make the most of it, rain hail or shine (just like the postmen).

News Flash: Kristy passed her H Endorsement Test!! She is almost ready to drive a tourist bus. Just waiting on the Police Check – is taking a while, as these things do.

We will now probably be in Alice Springs, or Uluru (depending where we get work) until December. It will be good to settle here for a while. We will be back in October though, so for those that really, desperately, are-hanging, to catch up with us, now is the time to seriously book it in. I am so sorry to everyone that I didn’t catch up with last time we were in Melbourne, things just got hectic! Kristy and I are very open to comfortable overnight beds, beer/wine and good meals being cooked for us. In return, we will provide scintillating company, and will bore you with photos (did I say ‘bored’, I meant ‘enthral’). Also, we will be minding Elle for about 5 days, so if you don’t mind us arriving with a gorgeous and cute one-year-old, we will be doubly open and happy to seeing you ( Loving kids is a MUST if you want to see us in Oct!).

Can't think of anything else to write, although as soon as I log off I know I will remember something else I should have written!!!