Thursday, December 16, 2010

Happy Holidays! What??


It's that time of year again when the holidays are upon us.
The school year is over and many people take time off work to be with their families.

I'm always in two minds at this time of year.
While I love spending time with family and I love the excitement that the holidays bring, I hate the commercialism that goes along with it.

I hate the crowds that are at every shopping mall and I'm so terrible at knowing what gifts to buy for people that it gets very stressful and I find myself counting down the days till it's all over!!

But this blog today is about whether to Christmas or holiday.

I really don't understand why people would get so upset about businesses wishing "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" or god forbid "Merry Xmas."
The fact is, there are people all over the world who believe different things.
What if we had a majority of Jewish people in this country? Should we only say Happy Hanukkah? Why should the majority dictate for all?

Those who think we should only say "merry Christmas" in this country would be the first to object if the government decreed we should have a happy Hanukkah instead. There's separation of church and state for a reason!

Doesn't "happy holidays" encompass all religious and non religious groups? And why would I be offended if someone said this to me? Would it change what I believe? Of course not!

People get way too sensitive.

So no matter what your personal beliefs are, please don't be offended this season if someone wishes you happy holidays or seasons greetings.
Remember this season was celebrated as the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere before anything else so no-one can claim originality!

Most of all, think on all that is good in your life and love and appreciate the people who love you and accept you no matter what.

Peace out!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Learning from the past...



If you work in an office, or regularly participate in the activity of receiving and forwarding bulk emails, you would have no doubt, seen the email that goes something like this..




"CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO WERE BORN IN THE
1930's 1940's, 50's, 60's and 70's

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese, raw egg products, loads of bacon and processed meat, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes or cervical cancer.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets or shoes, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We could collect old drink bottles and cash them in at the corner store and buy Toffees, Gob stoppers, Bubble Gum and some bangers to blow up frogs with.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because......

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the street lights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no Lawsuits from these accidents.

We were given air guns and catapults for our 10th birthdays,

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them!

Our teachers used to hit us with canes and gym shoes and bully's always ruled the playground at school.

And YOU are one of them!
CONGRATULATIONS!


I've edited the email somewhat but I'm sure you get the picture.

Every time I read this email, it raises my annoyance level a little further. Yeah congratulations,
YOU made it! YOU survived, as if we're all so much over the top today. But is that all that matters?

What this email originator doesn't get, is that although we survived,
MANY didn't and their deaths/disappearances/accidents & diseases could have well been avoided.

Sure, life is different today and you know why? Because we KNOW BETTER!!!

And while there will always people who will be too careful and too over the top, you should never berate a parent who actually gives a damn about what their kids are doing, who they're hanging out with, and being contactable at any given moment.

We know better.

We've learnt from mistakes and that doesn't mean we're doing it perfectly now... But we are doing it better in somethings and hopefully, we will continue to learn to make this a better world for our children's children.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Quiet please (well I did say please)


Hubby and I went through a stage where we watched a lot of tennis.

I always found it fascinating that the umpire/referee or whatever you call that guy who sits over the net, could call out "quite please" between games and the crowd would immediately quieten down to a pin drop silence.


It's fascinating but you have to think, why the hell do the players need complete silence?

Can you imagine a football umpire requesting complete silence when a player was shooting for goal?

Can you imagine the cricket umpire requesting for silence when a bowler was coming in to bowl?

In every other sport (apart from golf I guess) crowd participation is not only ok, it's encouraged but no, not so for tennis! They require complete silence to do their best.



Aside from that though, it's the sheer power of the person wielding that command that gets me!
I want a tennis umpire in my living room to say "quite please" every time someone opens their mouth when we're watching tv!!! Heck I'd pay good money for that!

And can you imagine if you and your significant other or children are having a domestic dispute, he could intervene with a "advantage mum".
Yes, I like it!

I know what I want for xmas...

Now excuse me while I just go dd tennis ref to my xmas wish list...

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

At Last!!!

As some of you know, hubby and I have been regularly doing the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty route lately. I just love it there!

A month or more ago, we were lucky enough to see a koala there. As bad luck would have it, I didn't have my camera!


Every time we've been there since, I've made sure to bring my camera but haven't had any sightings.
There were no more koalas to be seen.



Today hubby and I went there and decided to go a slightly different way to the top. The path was nice and peaceful. We saw a bird with a red splotch in front of it. I don't know what type it was but couldn't get focused on it quick enough to take a decent picture.








Hubby tried to make me feel better by pretending to be a koala but although I appreciated the effort, it wasn't much consolation.















We got to the top, caught our breath, had a drink and came back down. We decided to go back the way we came.


Near Cleland Park, I got a fabulous surprise!

Right in front of my eyes was a kangaroo!!!

It was a small one... It didn't have any fear of us and came out right in front of hubby and I.


I was madly snapping away with my camera. When the kangaroo crossed the path, we saw that it went to join another, much larger (mother?) kangaroo who was waiting for it and they slowly hopped off together.





It seems they expend so little energy for such big movements. What incredible creatures!


And if that hadn't been enough, when we passed the site where we'd first seen the koala, not only was it back again, but it had a baby!!!!




It was the most amazing thing and I couldn't help myself and had to tell everyone who came by the path while we were there

"Look there's a koala and it has a BABY!!!"









Cameras were taken out by all spectators. We were quite the paparazzi!!!


Such a fantastic experience. I can't wait to go again!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

When a ml over or under means oh so much

The girl looked on while the boy, with an intense focus, studied the task he’d been set.

Was he up to the challenge?

Carefully he took the bottle that held the much sought after fluid in his hand and judged the contents, mentally picturing the amount of fluid that was to go into each container.
He had to get it right.

The girl held her breath while the boy carefully started to tip the bottle that held the precious fluid.
“You better get this right” she warned. She just hated it when he got it wrong.
“Well you do it then” he quickly fired back, sick of her constant nagging.
She signed deeply “Just do it”
“Well shoosh then” he replied angrily, focusing his attention once again on the task at hand.

He got down on one knee to have a better line of vision.

Carefully the contents of the bottle started to be poured.

The boy put a little into the first container, then a little into the second container. The girl watched while her heart thumped loudly in the surrounding silence.

The boy checked the remaining contents of the bottle once again and cautiously began to tip the fluid into the awaiting containers, alternating between the first and second container.

He held his breath as the last drop was poured, sure that the girl was going to accuse him of cheating, or of not doing it right. She got down to his line of vision and nodded quietly.

Success.

He liked when she was pleased

They then both stood up, took their individual glasses and drank their coke.

Just another day in my household....

Saturday, November 13, 2010

What do you mean work? It's my birthday!



I was sitting in a public area, quietly minding my own business (ok I was playing Tetris on my ipod touch) when I overheard a couple of friends talking.

They were discussing what shifts they were on next week.


The first person, a male, said he was on 7.30 starts and the woman he was with exclaimed her horror at that.
She said "I'm on 8.30 starts and thank god for that because it's my birthday on Monday and there's no F******G way I'm getting up at 5am on my birthday to come to work"

Well who's a spoilt little princess then?

Are you kidding me? Since when did we start taking holiday's on our birthday's?
Oh please, what did you do? Just survived another year!! That doesn't entitle you to have a day off work!

Sure, get a few gifts, get a few birthday wishes, go out for drinks/dinner etc, but life goes on and ulitmatley, no one really cares about your birthday but YOU! (oh and perhaps your mum!)

To think that having a birthday is an excuse to not go to work is just beyond my comprehension!!!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Singing a happy song...

I don't want to speak too soon but life has been pretty good lately.
The major exception to this is that I still am not able to run but I'm trying not to dwell on that...

When I was in high school, my best friend and I were into biorhythms.
Being the rationalist that I am now, I know that's all bunk but I must admit there are times in your life where everything just seems to flow.

Birthday celebrations are almost over. They've lasted for almost two weeks with the final bbq for friends and family this Saturday.
Two cakes have been made, one bought and another one to be bought for this Saturday. So far everything has pretty much been a success.



The photo of the banana cake is quite flattering and doesn't let the viewer know how awful the icing was... whoops.. made a little error there but no one will remember that from the pictures.













The berry cake tasted nice but looked messy.. it's the taste that counts right!












And believe it or not, work has been pretty good lately! I don't want to go into details but things are working out for me there too.
Everything is working out just fine.


Oh and to cap off my good mood, I indulged in a little retail therapy today. I bought a new lens for my Nikon D90.
It's very yummy!
I could hardly wait to get home to use it! Can't wait to experiment a bit more


Thank you world, keep shining your light on me a little longer!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Step away from the jeans...


I should have known better...

Today I took Miss newly 16 to the shopping mall so that she could find some new clothes.
First order of business? New jeans!

In one of the stores we ventured into, the saleslady was so helpful that while miss 16 was trying on her selections, I decided to get her to pick some jeans out for me.

I told this saleslady that I never wore jeans as I hated the way I looked in them. I told her of my problem spots, trying to spare her the gory details and asked her what she recommended...

She, very confidently, took me to some jeans and picked out a couple in the size she and I both thought I was.

When I got in the change room, I wondered what I was doing. I was never going to fit into these!


Well, with a bit of huffing and puffing, I did put the jeans on. It took a while but I was proud when the zip went up and the button was done.
Now the dilemma.
Do I go outside, and risk other people seeing me, or do I just assess how I look in the small confines of the change cubicle?

Feeling courageous, I opened the door and stepped outside, but not before making sure any overhanging flesh was covered by my top.

It took about .00000056 of a second for me to realise the jeans were a huge mistake.

I retreated back into the change cubicle and started to take off the jeans.

I swear I almost heard an audible sigh from the jeans as I undid the zipper.... they were glad they were coming off too!!!

Against my better judgment I tried on the second pair and as I opened the door to check myself out in the bigger mirror, Miss 16 came out of her cubicle. She didn't say anything but she didn't have to.. they looked terrible!

So, no jeans for me today....

But I'm happy to say that Miss 16 found a perfect pair of jeans, a skirt and a couple of tops and she looks great in them all!

Monday, November 1, 2010

I hate the Melbourne Cup

I hate the Melbourne Cup

There, I said it.

I can't understand it.

Sure, I can understand the gambling side of it. Offices all around the country will be participating in Melbourne Cup Sweeps. I get that.

I also get how everything stops during the race.

This is never more apparent than when you work in a call centre.
The lines will be frantic then all of a sudden... nothing!
And sure enough, as soon as the race ends, the lines are back to frantic.

But I hate it, and here's why.

My hatred of the Melbourne Cup was born sixteen years ago.

Sixteen years ago, on the day of the Melbourne cup, I was in hospital. I was heavily pregnant with my first baby and had been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and ordered to do nothing but lie in bed. My blood pressure going into the hospital was 190/130.

When you have high blood pressure though, you don't have any symptoms so I felt fine! And the last thing I wanted to do was lie around in bed all day!

This was before the age of computers and hand held time wasters (at least it was for me) so I had no other option but to watch TV.
What do you think was on EVERY GODDAMN Channel???
The Melbourne Cup!

Oh my god I just wanted to die. I couldn't believe how slow the day was going. I couldn't understand why anyone would be interested in anything else but who won! If I'd had my baby already, I would have been lost in new mummy wonderment but that time hadn't happened yet so I was just lying there, counting down the seconds until the next obs, meal, coffee or any other distraction.

And every year since, that's what I'm reminded of...

However, every bad has a good and although I've now got an ingrained hate of the Melbourne Cup, a miracle occurred a day later and my beautiful bundle of joy was born. Who could have known at that point that just one year later (with that damn cup just having been on) I'd be back in the hospital having my second bundle of joy.

Just recently I was looking through cupboards trying to find my old High School Year book and I came across some old photos. They were of the kids and I when they were still so very young. I looked at their smiling faces and was just overwhelmed with emotion.
What a joy they have been.
Two beautiful souls full of love, ready to learn about the world they were being brought up in.

I've been so very blessed in my life and no matter what happens from this point on, they're one thing that I will always be so very proud of.

Love you S & J

xxxx

Thursday, October 28, 2010

One size fits all?

In my last blog I mentioned girls being excited about fitting into clothes that although were their size, were tagged with a lower number.
It got me thinking about sizes and numbers and how ridiculous it all is anyhow.

Take the "one size fits all" label....
Really?
I don't think so.
At the very least, that "one size fits all" garment is going to look a hell of a lot different depending on the body it's adorning.

I once saw an article in a woman's mag that showed five different sized women.
Not only did they have different body types, but they were all different heights as well.

They had these women put on the same size12 garment. This size was used as it was supposed to be an average woman's size and they wanted to show how different that "average" could look. For the record, our size 12 is an American size 8.

Although the tall girl was thin, it looked really tight and silly on her. If you had seen her in the street however, you'd think she was thinner than average however her natural size was probably a 14 - 16.
On another girl, the top fit nice but she was actually quite pudgy and if you saw her in the street, you'd think she was overweight. Her natural body size was probably and 8-10.

Every girl wore the size 12 garment differently and if you didn't know, wouldn't have been able to pick they were all the same size.

My point is, anyone who wants to go around saying they're a size this or that can't realize that it means nothing!!!
What counts is the clothes you choose for your body type... Even if you have to go up or down a number to get a flattering look.

And whatever you do don't get caught up with numbers. They mean nothing.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Fooling Ourselves


We love to fool ourselves don't we?
What do I mean?
Well take today for example, I was in the upstairs bathroom because the bathroom on my floor was being cleaned.
As I walked out of the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and remembered how much I like using this upstairs bathroom because the mirror makes me look thinner!!
Now obviously, I'm not actually thinner, but it still makes me feel better than when I look in the mirror of the regular bathroom!
In another instance, I heard a radio talk show where the hosts had a "bra whisperer" on. Sounds strange but in reality all she did was fit women correctly as apparently, most of us don't know how to shop for bras and are usually wearing the wrong size.
They had a whole lot of women brought in and fit them on the show.They asked the women what size they normally wore and they were all surprised when they found out from the "bra whisperer" that they were actually a bigger size than they first thought.
I listened to their exclamations with wonder. Did they think that just because the bra whisperer had given them a different number, that their boobs were an actual different size??? Nothing had changed! What was there to get so excited about?
About 15 years ago I went to one of those party plan parties. The saleslady was selling a line of clothing. She had quite a few samples there and at the end of the presentation, we were able to try some of them on to decide whether we would buy them or not.
Turns out, the sizing was VERY generous... If you were a size 12, you'd be an 8-10 in this clothing line...
Flattery will get you everywhere!!!
The women bought up big and I was left dumbfounded.Did they think they actually looked different??
Just because the tag says a smaller number, doesn't mean anything's changed!
Sometimes our illusions and delusions are harmless, other times they can have dire consequences.
Luckily, for most of us, they fall into the harmless category and hey, if it makes you feel good, who am I to pull the wool out of your eyes!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Clever Advertising





Look at these two logos.
What do you notice??

When I used to go the the gym, it would frustrate me to see women lifting a few weights, then talk about how they were going to have a cake and coffee because they
"deserved" it.

Then they'd moan about how long they'd been going to the gym but had never lost any weight...

I easily fall into the same mindset... "I've run 70kms this week, I think I can have a splurge or two..."
This thought creeps into my mind, uninvited and unless I snap myself out of it's hypnotic, pleasurable tones, I will find myself falling for it, even though I know better!

But the other day while I was enjoying some TV time, an ad for the woman's only gym "Curves" came on and I thought, "isn't that logo just like the Cadbury one? Surely that's not an accident!'

Nothing in advertising is an accident.

What those clever Curves people have done, is told ladies that you can "work out" in a gentle, non aerobic way, then go ahead and eat your Cadbury chocolate because it's all part of the Curves experience.

Cheeky!

But we all love to be treated and there will always be an abundance of people who love chocolate!
I guess I have to commend them for good advertising

Friday, October 22, 2010

When almost perfect is almost as good....


Ok ladies, tell me if you've had this experience.

You've known for some time that you really need a new pair of black sandals. You've looked for a while but never saw any that fit the specifications you were after.
Finally, you decide you can't wait a moment longer and off you go to the shops...

The first shop you go into, yields the perfect shoe. You can hardly belive it!!
It's the exactly colour you want, style you want, heel you want and even in the price range you were hoping for...
More amazing still, they actually have your size! (which is a factor in my case!)
You put the sandals on and they feel divine!
"Yes" you reason to yourself, "I could walk around in these for hours. They are so comfortable!"
Unfortunately, things that seem too good to be true, generally are...

I took the shoes home and wore them immediately. It didn't take long for me to realise that these sandals were going to leave me with two nice red blisters at the back of my feet!
Of course I was in complete denial and continued wearing them...


The next day when it was time to get dressed, I looked longingly at my sandals but knew I couldn't wear them... not even with double bandaids at the back of my feet.


The following day I tried them on but again and the blistered area was still too sore however, I realised I could just drop the back strap from behind my feet to underneath my feet and wear them under pants without anyone realising!

Success!!!

So until my feet heel and I ease them back into a relationship with these sandals, I'll be wearing them with the back strap down!

Maybe they weren't perfect but they were pretty damn close!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

They say....


They have a lot to answer for.
Don't you think?

Who am I talking about?

Well you know! THEY!!!

They come up in just about every conversation you have! "They say" this and "They say" that.

Most times, "they" are not defined yet we listen and take what they've said as if it were a universal truth.

So, again I say, they have a lot to answer for!

What are their credentials? Where is their scientific research to back up their claims? On what facts are their statements based? What fad or cultural event is driving their claims?


How many times have you been in conversation with someone, and hear the words "well they say..." and without questioning the person your speaking to about who they actually are, just accept what's being said!
We all have been guilty of it.

Whether we're talking diet, fitness, psychology, social events or whatever topic you're conversing about, they will have a fact! A fact that the person you're speaking to will convey with great confidence.

No more! I will trust my instinct and "they" can listen to me for a change!

Unless of course, they show me their researched facts about the topic they're speaking on,

Then I'll humbly consider the evidence as deserved.
That's what I say!

Monday, October 4, 2010

I've got a blog?

Ok so this blog has been dormant a while and while I have plenty of things to write about, I just can't think of them when I sit down to write! I should get back into the habit of writing them down as they happen...

For example, if you've seen my facebook status, you'll know that yesterday I finally got fed up with having no fringe (bangs for you Americans!) and decided to snip a little here and there to create one.
The benefit of having curly hair is that you can't really mess it up too much!

But while I was doing it, my son came in, gave one look at me with my scissors and hair in hand and he said "This can't end good" and walked out.
It was hilarious at the time but you probably had to be there...



Today I've spent a good portion finding old Italian songs on you tube. When I say old, I mean from the 70's and late 80's.

I went to Italy with my mum in 1989 as a young girl (young is relative so leave me alone...) and as a lot of my relatives were younger, the artists they were familiar with were older, hence the 70's portion of my nostalgic listening today... Then I discovered Zucchero and instantly fell in love with the raw rock sound, and the delicate ballads... Magic!
So I've been revisiting the songs.

Deno's out riding and Sarah's on the computer next to me while I'm singing at the top of my lungs. She hasn't complained because she's just happy I'm allowing her to go on facebook!

Having said that, there is a time and place for nostalgia and I think I've had enough now. Besides, my throat is getting a little raw!

I've been getting my singing bug back and have started recording a few little tracks.

The next song I want to cover is "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton. I'm doing the music portion of it now. Don't know how I'm going to go singing it as I always think of my dad as I'm doing it... It's such a beautiful song with such beautiful harmonies.
Can't wait to start putting it together!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Would I Lie To You?

People generally are gullible and like to believe what they want to believe so they will choose to listen to those who support their beliefs.

Whether we're talking about diet and nutrition or the meaning of life, the theory still holds true.

I was thinking about this today because regularly in my job, I have to fudge the truth a little. I don't outright lie... well... in any case, whatever I'm trying to relay to the customer isn't going to affect their billing, and will give them comfort.

In other words, sometimes a little lie is easier than a long winded, confusing explanation!

And sometimes, I really don't have a clue what I'm talking about but I say those words with such confidence that the customer I'm talking to believes me.
Again, I'm not talking about anything that's going to affect their account, just inconsequential things...


But isn't it true that if someone speak with authority, unless we stop and check ourselves, we tend to believe them. This is so wrong!

Why is it that someone else's personal experience is more valid than mine? Why should I trust someone's personal experience if I haven't had that experience? Especially when we're talking about opinions or supernatural events. That is, things not based in fact.

I regularly read message boards that cover a wide range of topics. Diet and nutrition, to running and exercise.
Opinions vary greatly!!
Why should I believe someone else's opinion over mine especially if they're as equally uneducated as me!
I'm not talking about facts here, just opinions.


It's good to know what someone else thinks, but with anything, you take it on board and see how what they're saying matches up to what your experiences have been.

In the end, we make our own ultimate truth.

Sunday, September 12, 2010


Dedicated to my mum's birthday this year...

Our Mum & Nonna

She's a great cook and with hardly any notice,
She'll have a feast ready and be a great hostess
If it's mince that she's got, she'll be ready to fry it
Not for her or her guests, but for Richie's rich diet.

She'll buy up a storm, a retailer’s delight
Harris Scarfe employees know her on sight
With technology she may not be up with advances
But she'll give it a shot and just take her chances!

Studious she is, and with that lap top she's right
Studying Peggle and Briscola, into the night!
She's a smart woman, I know and I've heard
That from time to time, she'll even make up a word

She loves a good swim, in the spa she'll relax
And enjoys the bubbles while with new friends she chats
You sure couldn’t call her a lazy girl
Even giving the climb to Mt Lofty a whirl!

If we chose our mothers it'd be her that we'd choose
With a mother like that, we know we can't lose
She’s caring and honest, God sent from above
To bring joy to our lives and fill our hearts with love.


Friday, September 10, 2010

Mr Idiot


Life in my job is rarely boring.

My very first call this morning was a very disgruntled customer.
So focused was he on telling me how disgruntled he was, that five minutes into the call, I still didn't know what the issue was!

I kept trying to identify the account so I could look at the previous notes to ascertain what he may be so angry about...

"May I have your name to access your account" I asked.

He didn't want to give it to me as he said he'd given it a million times before....
So what was he expecting from me????

I told him I couldn't help him unless I could see his account and my one wish was to help him work out whatever issue he had.

Finally after I asked for his name a third or fourth time he said "Mr Idiot"

Understandably this set me back a bit so I asked
"I'm sorry, what did you say your name was?"

Now the reason I asked him to clarify was because I SO wanted to call him Mr Idiot!!
He came back at me with smugness, thinking he was being so clever "Mr Idiot".

"Mr Idiot?" I questioned.

"Yes well I must be if I keep ringing you lot wanting to get my problem fixed"

I must admit, I thought that was funny but by that time we had been on the phone for almost 8 minutes and I still didn't know what he was actually calling about!

As I started to perhaps get a clue, he asked to speak to a supervisor so that was the end of that!
Mr Idiot... well I think he sure hit the nail on the head with that one!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Finally a result!


I'm someone who finds Politics absolutely boring.
Not because, as the media was was putting it, there wasn't much difference in the two party's. That there weren't any real issues... but just because I find all governments are corrupt as each other.
In the end, we had to vote for the party we least disliked... and that's what I did.

I don't presume to know anything about Politics... but this election sure caught my attention!


What angered me were the people who went around promoting a 'donkey' vote. That is, doing your duty and going to vote, but voting incorrectly, thereby making your vote void.
Look, I'm not completely for one party anyhow but by me not voting, I'm not contributing to anything!! It's not going to bring about any change... and look what happened!


We have waited 17 days since election day to get a result.

That result hinged on the vote of three independents, who had to give their support to either the Labour or Liberal party...

Every day we were told "a decision will come soon" but days turned into a week.. then another week.. then "tomorrow"... then it was the day after that...

Finally at 2.30pm today a press conference was called and after thirty minutes of mindless waffle they gave their decision.

These three nobodies have decided the fate of this country because the rest of the country couldn't be stuffed putting in an informed vote and these nobodies were treated as if they were superstars.
Every day we wondered if a decision was imminent but why were they the ones making it?

I couldn't help thinking this was like a reality show final where we're all huddling to see who the winner is....
It's probably a fair analogy anyhow because the whole thing, in my opinion, has been a popularity contest/joke.

Tony Abbott wearing those infamous budgie smugglers and Julie Gillard


Having said all that, I did vote for Labour and I tend to like Julia Gillard... but only because I've been unimpressed with the ridiculous things Tony Abbott says... and you know, I want to like the guy because he seems to be into fitness but I don't have any confidence in what he says and don't like the way he reacts when he's cornered. Julia seems to handle the cornering better....

All in all, I'm glad the whole bloody mess is over and hope that all you Australians will actually vote next time!!!
Even if you're only voting for the lesser of two evils....

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

A Husband and Wife team


On Sunday the 22nd of August, I had the privilege of hearing Gisele Blanchard and her husband Mario Bellanova sing

When Gisele and I were teenagers, we were part of the same church and at times, were in musical items together. I always loved to hear her sing and knew she had what it took to take her talent to a professional level.

Gisele has sung all over Europe and as far as I'm aware, currently lives in Italy but is currently visiting Adelaide and luckily for us, scheduled in a performance.

She and her husband were just fantastic! I was mesmerized the whole time. They not only sang the various aria's beautifully, but they actually "performed" them, acting what they were singing. It was magical!

From a couple point of view, it was interesting to see them interacting when they were off stage, no doubt encouraging each other and discussing little things from what they had sung, or were still to sing.

It made me wonder how they handle it when they're arguing? All couples argue right? All couple get annoyed with each other from time to time and singing is such a delicate act that I don't think you could fake it if you were pissed off with your partner! And it's not just a partner, or someone you see from time to time, but in this case, it's a spouse!

I didn't see a hint of this with Gisele and her husband but it made me realise that I wouldn't be cut out for it! :)

And while I was sitting there held captive by the beautiful voices, I glanced over and noticed one of their sons sitting in the front row. He was sitting head back, looking up to the ceiling and seemed, dare I say it, bored! How would it be to have two opera singing parents as a kid? To grow up with two people in your household with beautiful gifts. It would just be normal to you!
Can they appreciate what they have in their parents? Probably not until they're a lot older!

Gisele and Mario it was wonderful to hear you sing and I hope I get another chance very soon!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

I Did It....


So, where do I start?

I guess at the finish. I completed the marathon in 4 hours and 18 minutes. At least, that's the time my Garmin gave me. Have to wait for official results but that's about it.

The weather was against us but by race day I was resigned to it and it didn't phase me before the race although I'm sure it affect my time along with everyone else.


It was tough to say the least...

And the westerly drove the water from the ocean up onto the path for that part of the course. It was brutal!


Sure was an experience for my first marathon and everyone says it will make my 2nd a piece of cake. I hope so because I can't tell you I didn't want to quit.
I had hip problems, cramps and a goddam stitch that wouldn't quit.
I hit the wall at 34kms and started walking... I ran again after about 500mtrs but walked a few more times after that. All in all, I don't think I walked more than a km but my time was so bad.
Based on my 30 and 32km run, I was hoping to get around 4 hours so I was really really disappointed with my time and disappointed that I stopped to walk.

My husband followed me on his bike the whole way and another friend joined him for the last 10kms or so. I'm not sure if that was a help or hindrance as I think I got a bit sooky when there were others to hear of my plight...

And I don't work well with encouragement!! the more they told me I was doing great, the more I wanted to put less effort in (well if I'm doing great, I've got room to slow down right?)

Anyhow, it was an experience.

I was so excited this morning. When the alarm went off I jumped out of bed and said "it's time" which kind of reminded me of a woman who feels the first stirs of labour during sleep and wakes her husband with the same words...

But with everything considered, I still can say I have run a marathon and regardless of how bad I thought I did, I have that achievement and I've left myself a lot of room for improvement for the next one!!!

Photos will be on facebook as I find it too hard to post them here...

Thursday, August 12, 2010

It's Almost Over

It's almost over. In 60 hours or so I'll be running in my first (and perhaps only) marathon.

I can't believe how worked up I've gotten myself over this. It's just a run.

This morning as I was leaving for work I said to Miss 15 "Three more days!" and she replied "Yeeeaaah, I can't wait".

The reason she said that is that she, and the rest of the family, have been suffering as much as I have! They've had to endure hours and hours of marathon talk.

And besides that, it probably isn't nice to hear "thump thump thump" coming from upstairs as your mum goes thru her training. One hour and 18 minutes of thumping each day would be more than most people could bear yet my family stay silent knowing that this obsession too shall pass....

And in writing that, I really hope it doesn't pass. I mean I'd love to compete in the Gold Coast Marathon next year... that is, if I don't frazzle myself completely with this one...

There are so many things I'm worried about I won't go through them again here. Why good would voicing them do?

Instead I'll leave my next post to be a race report. (oh yes, the family are already dreading that!!! )

I already toyed with the notion of speaking into my mobile phone to record what I was feeling at each stage of the race but come race day, the only thing I'll want to do is finish I'm sure!

So... until my next words are read on this page, I'll lay my typing fingers to rest.... and add that I can't wait to read them myself!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

So Much For The "Perfect" Water Belt

I have to take back everything I said about that damn water belt.

It was my own fault. I ran with it on Saturday and for some stupidly insane reason, tied it around my waist, directly on my skin. Tights below, sports bra on top, but nothing round my middle...

And sure, I felt a "scrape, scrape" as I ran so I tried to adjust it.

Now let me just explain, this belt is filled with Velcro straps. Velcro to do it up, and Velcro for the three water bottles it holds.
After a couple of kms, I couldn't really feel it anymore so I thought I'd adjusted it right.

When I got off and had a look, I was stunned. I was completely red raw. I had a shower, yelping every time the water hit my sore spots!!
A few days later I'm less traumatized by it but I still look like I have some strange kind of pox around my middle and I'm so glad I wasn't wearing any clothing as that belt would have completely ruined my good running clothes!!

So....
I won't be using a running belt for the marathon.

I've decided,
I'm resolute,
I will just hold my own water bottle in my hand for 4 hours... and if I need more, Deno will be around on his bike somewhere to help me out.

And I'm happy with that decision anyhow because I couldn't get used to the weight of the water around my middle....

And now... I just have to do it.

Friday, July 30, 2010

A New Temporary Favourite

I think I've found a new store to love and believe it or not, it's not related to food!

My new favourite store of the moment is "The Sports Boutique"

It's not that I've just noticed it... oh I've seen it was there! I walked past it a million times... even ventured in... and quickly out a few times!
Why was I so reluctant to go in? Because I felt like I didn't belong!

This is the ultimate store for women runners. It's a little intimidating because the women who run the store look phenomenal. Not in a model way, but in a sports/athletic way.
THEY look like real runners!!!

In comes dumpy, frumpy me and they probably write me off as someone who's buying for a runner... or someone who has just started out...

But today I went in there and joy of all joy's they had a water belt on sale that is almost too perfect!!It consists of three little bottles and a pouch for a few goodies. The belt itself is elastic and much better than the other bulky water belt I bought from the internet a month ago.


The only down side is that my ipod touch doesn't fit into the pouch... but I'd rather run without that than without knowing I have an adequate water supply for the marathon!!
The whole time the sales assistant was talking to me about it, I was making myself NOT bring up the fact that I was running in the Adelaide Marathon in a few weeks time. I bet they are too!!

In any case, even if they are they'd never recognise me on the day, with my hair back and no make up on....so now I have a water belt that I can actually feel confident with!

I can't wait to try it out this weekend!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Parental duties...

I've had to be at my childrens school every night this week.

The first two nights was so that they could get their government
supplied laptops (thank you taxpayers of Australia)
The third was "band night".
Miss 15 is in band. While I love to hear her play, I don't relish
having to sit thru other concert bands until finally she's on.

It's always stated "we can go after I've played" but she's either
in the last group or the exit is right next to the stage so you
can't do it discreetly.

To endure the time before she was on tonight I did the unforgivable
and brought my iPod touch.
I got a bit nervous when the teacher in charge of the music section
started hovering around. I felt like I was going to get a tap on
the shoulder and be sent to detention.

As you can see it didn't stop me writing this blog.

He's still behind me but I'm putting it away as Miss 15 is on now with her group.

Yay!!
Almost home time!!

Monday, July 26, 2010

I just don't get it.


Today I came across this story of a forty year old woman who died of a heart attack.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/7935025/britains-fattest-woman-dies-of-heart-attack

She was allegedly Britain's fattest woman and had spent the last four years in hospital because she was no longer able to walk.

What makes this story stand out to me is the point where it says people would smuggle food into her!!

This isn't the first time I've read this sort of thing in similar cases.
I once watched a show on television which followed another guy who'd been hospitalized for the same reason, and they were keeping him on a calorie controlled diet to try to restore his health and give him some life back... His partner kept bringing him in fatty foods!!!
What's wrong with these people!!

That's like someone being hospitalized because of suicidal thoughts/attempts, and their loved ones smuggling in razor blades....

I don't understand it.

And I feel so sorry for this poor woman's family. She's gone and left four children who now don't have a mum. What lesson have they learnt? What have seen and experienced?
It was such a needless tragedy and to think that it was helped on by her friends and relatives smuggling in food is just to horrible to contemplate.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

A new old obsession

Hubby and I are going through a bit of a 24 craze at the moment.
We came in late with the show.
We started at about series 5 and watched each subsequent one until the final series just this year.


To satisfy the 24 need, we went out and sought the first few series are are now halfway through series two, after watching series one in a couple of days.

Obsessed? Well, it sure passes away a cold, wintery day nicely!

Speaking of 24 and Jack Bauer, I came across a pretty funny you tube clip this week.

And don't think I haven't thought about what I'm going to do when we've watched every show! What will I do without my 24?

Come back Jack Bauer, the world still needs you! (dammit)
If you make the show, I'll wach it! I give you my word!


Have you ever noticed that about the show? "dammit" is said so many times and Jack continues to say "I give you my word". Wow! His word! If only I'd get the same belief in my statements when I pledged "my word".
"Yes I'll pay that bill by next week, I give you my word!"


And how can so many double agents infiltrate CTU? Aren't they a highly secure area? Yet somehow all these double agents make it through with back ground checks that can hardly be thorough!!

But we don't watch the show for it's realism...

And now I'm just waiting for that man of mine to get home so we can watch a few more episodes!!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

shhhhhhhh

I seem to have access to this at work again..

oh the joy!

Please, please, please don't let them take it away again!!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Reality hits



So as I've already written on my running blog, I've entered the 2010
Adelaide Marathon.
I'm scared to death about this but I'm going to give it my best shot
and hope to just finish it. If I get a time under four and a half
hours I'll be really happy but won't be focused on time.

The marathon is set to start at 6.45am.
Every morning now at that time I look at the conditions and wonder how
the he'll I'm going to do it!

I'm supposed to be doing a "long" run on Saturday and I'm going to be
outside no matter what the conditions. Yikes!

It's good to have a goal to look forward to though.

And after this August 15 race day I will be taking a well earned break!!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

How much for an opinion?


Besides the fact that I have no creativity when it comes to doing things with my hands, I don't think I could have been a hairdresser because of all the small talk involved.

My hair dresser tries and I know she has a good heart but I'm so sick to death of all the chatter I have to hear as a client!!!

Customers say the most boring, inane, egotistical things and she nods, agrees and adds to the conversation, never questioning what is being said to her. I wish I could hear what was going on in her mind as she's listening to her clients drivel.

Then again maybe she likes it?

Although I do know for a fact that she doesn't give her true opinion because I've seen her change it within seconds when it became apparent she hadn't understood what her client said.
Sometimes I just want to slap her and say "tell me what you really think!!!"
Ok.. so I'm kidding about that part! But it does make conversing with her a chore because I know she's just doing it because she feels it's part of her job.

I'm just not a small talker and that's why the job's not for me.

But I'm sure glad my hair is finally done and she did a great job of that!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Go Sarah!


I'm listening to Sarah at her band practice. It's the first time I've sat in. I'm pretty impressed.

The guys are great and I just love Sarah's
voice and I don't think it's just because I'm a biased mum!

They love their music that's for sure. It's all about the music. They seem like they could play for hours and not notice the time go.

I'm trying real hard not to be the geeky mum.
Go Sarah!!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Dessert for dinner?

Well that was a birthday dinner not to remember!!!

We really wanted to go to the souvlaki brothers at Glenelg tonight as that was the man of the house's choice, but they were closed for renovations.
Bummer.
It was cold and we didn't want to walk back to the car so we went to Nando's.
Big mistake.

First of all there weren't many people in there but the seating was crowded. There was only one table where we could really have sat and that was right in front of the door so everytime someone went in or out, we felt the cold wind rushing in.

We were hungry so didn't mind paying the high prices that were shown. We figured we must be getting a big meal.

Were we ever wrong!!!

The serves were so small that we were finished in minutes and immediately went next door to McDonalds.

What was funny was that a group of guys who'd been in Nando's at the same time as us, were in
McDonalds too!!

I feel so unsatisfied...

Lucky there's birthday cake waiting at home.

Oh... and no, the man of the house isn't seven, but if you add the numbers of his age up, it comes to seven!
Happy birthday Honey. Is that a smile I see???

Step away from the iphone!

Went to miss 15's drama production last night. For the most part I was  impressed. There were a lot of really talented kids there...
Not that the lady beside me would have known because she didn't take her eyes off her iPhone the whole night!!! I'm not kidding!

There were lots of strange looking kids there... As kids can tend to look strange in their quest for individuality... And I'm so glad I
didn't comment on one of the funnier ones because his mum was sitting right near us!! That could have turned ugly...

My daughter was a star of course. I must admit I got a bit nervous when I saw she was playing a mum but it was ok. I don't think she was being me.
She performed wonderfully. A natural actress!
It made me wonder though if all parents thought their kids were stars as some of the students were real shockers.

All in all it was s hood night and I find myself looking forward to the next production.

Go miss 15!!!


Friday, June 4, 2010

..and life goes on...


I guess it's about time I write in here.
To say it's been a difficult couple of weeks is an understatement.

I don't really want to dwell on it. What's happened has happened.

I have so many beautiful memories and it's been so good to share those with my family these past couple of weeks.

Last week while my sister and mother were sitting in my dad's hospital room, I thought about how nice it was that we were together, remembering and laughing about little things from the past. Then the reason of why we were sitting there hit me again and I'd get sad.
Still, death is a part of life... although knowing that doesn't make it any easier.

I think of all the things that I wanted to say to my dad. Most of them I actually did say but I wonder if he really understood it. I hope he knew how much he meant to me.

Towards the end when he was no longer able to communicate I kept holding his head or hand so he knew someone was there and was telling him that we were all here with him. I thought if he could hear me, then it might bring him some comfort.

Now that all the ceremony is over, the fact of what's happened is going to hit hard.

I know he was suffering and I'm so glad he's not anymore but thinking about his life and our life growing up with him these past couple of weeks just makes me miss him more.

Thanks dad. I know I wasn't an easy child to parent but you were the best father I could have hoped for.

xxxx

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Just because I can


I got my glasses today.

You didn't know I wore glasses? Well actually I don't!

Specsavers have been running these ads where you don't pay for your eye testing and you don't pay for your glasses (up to a certain price) if your health insurance is partnered up with them.

Well mine is.

I don't need glasses though but I wanted a pair just for the hell of it!

I went for my testing and she said yes, I had perfect eyes. I knew that!
But then I said my eyes sometimes get "tired" when I'm at the computer or up in bed reading... She asked if I wanted some magnification and I said yes please!
She hmmm a bit and said "even those +1 magnification reading glasses you get at the chemist would be too strong for you"
"yes they are" I lamented....
But I just wanted glasses!

So because it's all free, she prescribed a pair that are even less magnification than the lowest, general type ones you can get from the chemist...

And today I got the call that they were ready!!
So now, as I'm typing these, I'm looking through my new, FREE FOR ME, Fcuk prescription glasses.
Deno's come later this week and Sarah and Josh are booked in for their visits next week!
Thank you specsavers!
Question is, do they make me look smarter???
(Haven't been game enough to take a photo of myself in them yet so you'll just have to say yes!)

Life returns to normal

I haven't written anything here for a while and I'm really not too sure why because normally I have all sorts of observations that occur to me during the day that I like to share.

I have had a few things against me.
1. I no longer have access to blogger at work (I can't tell you how traumatized I am by that!)
2. I think I've been battling lingering jet lag (I can hear Deno laughing right now)
3. I've been covertly worried that I won't be able to get my fitness back to what it was before we left for America.

So to combat those things...
1. I'm trying to work out a new system so I can still write even though I don't have access at work.
2. Nothing much I can do about potential lingering jet lag but just try to sleep when I'm tired.
3. Don't think about my running and just do it! (And yes I do wear Nike's)

I've got my running to 60kms a week so I should be happy with that shouldn't I? I don't know why I keep feeling like it's not enough. I really really really want to run a marathon. The Gold Coast one is in two months but don't think I'll be ready for that... The Melbourne one is in October and it's reasonable to think I could be ready for that except I'm afraid to run outdoors.
Here's another laughing moment for Deno....
Another factor against me being ready for the marathon is that I'm deathly afraid of magpies!! And to run the kms I need to run to train for a marathon, I need to be doing that on the streets...
I'll probably get out there soon enough but it's always at the back of my mind... For now I'll probably just stick to the esplanade because that seems to be the safest route but then I'm battling coastal winds and just straight routes. I like the variety of turns.
I also really hate running in Winter and through the frosty cold...

So there you go. I didn't really have anything to write here but wanted to break the drought!
And now, I'm going to take photos with my new Nikon D90 which I'm still deeply in love with

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Tummy Troubles


A "friend" of mine has a certain Miss 15 in her house.

This certain Miss 15 claims to be lactose intolerant. She may very well be but my "friend" thought it was funny the other night when this certain Miss 15 was complaining of a gurgly tummy.

"Did you have any dairy?" asked my "friend" to Miss 15
"No" said Miss 15.
"Well what have you eaten?" asked my friend.
This certain Miss 15 then answered, "All I had was what we had for dinner. Vegetables and beans."

Ah, there's really not much more to be said on that!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

You're not fooling anyone!

Funny little thing happened this morning.

I was at the train station waiting for my morning train with my nose stuck into my addoku puzzle book when I heard a very animated female voice"Hello David!" she said and immediately followed it with "oh, you're not David! I'm so sorry, you look just like him!"

She went on and on in this vein for quite some time. Her sentences and pauses were flourished by flirtatious giggles and there was lots of "hand running through the hair" gestures!

The poor guy was just flummoxed!

It was obvious to me that she just wanted to talk to him as she kept trying to broach new subjects from that one encounter. He wasn't interested, and tried to be obvious about it by keeping his eyes on his book and only gave one word answers to her questions/queries and comments!

It was the funniest thing to witness!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

My Kitchen Rules - At least on TV is does...

Hubby and I have been watching My Kitchen Rules.
I really liked the show initially but there's so many things they need to change if series two is to grab my attention!

But that aside, watching the couples make the food always amazes me.

In fact Reality TV in general is just so staged!!

Please don't tell me that those couples cooking REALLY finish plating up just as the clock ticks down to zero? They show them still putting different foods on the plates with less than a minute to go. I refuse to believe that!!!

If that was true that they time it to such nail biting precision, you would think that occassionaly they would go even just a little over, and not finish plating up the food on all the dishes... but it's with perfect precision.

And don't you hate the stilted talking? We all know it's supposed to be for dramatic effect but it just makes the person talking look a little intellectually challenged. They must cringe when they watch the episodes!!

It's like when they announce the winner, or a person that's been eliminated... Something that takes a few seconds to say can be dragged out into a few minutes! Longer still if commercials are involved.

But going back to the My Kitchen Rules show, I think it's gotten a bit ridiculous how arty the plates have to look. It's not about the food anymore! If I want to see art work, I'll go to an art gallery! Food is going to taste good regardless of how many carefully placed sauce spots there are on the plate.

Now I do realise the value of having food look good on the plate, but I just think they go overboard and after a while, each dish just looks like another stacked food item, sauced plate dish.

And please, those servings???? They're barely a mouthful sometimes! God help you if you actually have an appetite!

On one of the rounds, the couple cooking made a ravioli for an entree, but messed something up so instead of getting two or three ravioli per dish, they each got one.

Yes you read that right, ONE!!!!!

That's pretty funny isn't it?


So it's arty to place a small amount of food on a place in a stylish way? How about a few rice grains arranged in a pretty way? Could that do it? Only if they named it something exotic I guess... then they'd have a winner!


But still, I'm watching so they're doing something right!

And with the final coming up on Monday, I'm already looking forward to the next series!!


Friday, March 12, 2010

Would you like some hardened arteries?

I love how at my place of work, the company tries to keep its employees happy but doing little things for them.
For instance, we've really been under the pump with calls and staffing issues lately, so we've all been working extra hard...
Management have been giving us little gifts...
Things like 'donut days' and "morning teas."

The thought is nice...But I thought an extreme was reached today when the supervisors started coming around with little takeaway boxes.
I started wondering what could be in there... six donuts?? The box looked quite big!
Was it some sort of company trinket?

Slowly a smell starting wafting through the office and before I was offered my own box, I knew it was something greasy and artery hardening. When the box was offered to me, I politely shook my head. No thanks! And spent the next hour trying not to puke from the gross smell of chicken and chips.

While I appreciate the gesture, couldn’t there have been a healthy option offered as well? Couldn't they have had subway make up some rolls or something?? At least it would be something that wouldn't stink up the office!

It's so gross...

And I still have five hours to go...

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Oh yes I really did....

The other night I was sitting on the couch in front of the TV with hubby. My mind was wandering as some mindless TV show was on, and I was thinking about how nice it would be to take a nice long bath after my run in the morning.

By the time tomorrow morning came, I would have run 66kms over the last five consecutive days and I thought it would be a nice gift for my muscles.

Often the thought of a bath is better than the actual event so I knew I'd have to entertain myself. I thought of the books/magazines/music I'd have with me to keep me entertained...
And then a thought came to me.... could I be electrocuted if I listened to my mp3 while in the bath?


And I'm sorry to say, I was seriously thinking it.... And even worse, I turned to hubby to ask if I could electrocute myself if my earbud, or mp3 fell into the water while I was taking a bath.

He had an incredulous look on his face (he wasn't sure if I was trying to be funny) and then said "from a battery?????"
Oh yeah....
"The only thing that's going to happen is that you'd ruin your earphones or mp3!!!!"

Now why does it all seem so clear after the stupid question has been asked?
No, don't answer that!