Tonight’s blog is a little bit political. Not because I’m really talking politics but based around my frustration with those blasted opinion polls that seem to release their useless findings on a weekly basis.
I’m pretty sure that the agencies that conduct these polls have duped every type of media into believing that the majority of Australians want to hear their useless results.
Let’s face it, as far as politics is concerned the only poll that counts is the one held on Election Day.
I am heartily sick of the presidential style polling that goes on and on and on and on. In Australia the Prime Minister is elected by the party, that holds the most seats in the House of Representatives. Australians do not elect a Prime Minister so who cares who is more popular.
As you can probably gather not me. The Prime Minister is just a mouthpiece for the party line and the ultimate person whose head is on the chopping block if everyone else runs for cover.
Those opinion pollsters only ask a few thousand people and although they try to get a reasonable cross section of the community the questions they ask can be slanted.
Kevin Rudd was a so-called popular Prime Minister but it didn’t save his skin did it? It’s all done in back rooms, getting the necessary numbers, well out of the public eye.
Don’t believe everything you read and certainly don’t take any notice of the polls, because they don’t mean a thing.
Monday, 12 December 2011
Friday, 9 December 2011
Another year older
I was fortunate to celebrate a birthday this week. I like celebrating each one as the alternative is worse. It was a lovely day spent with family and friends. A bonus was my niece’s twins being born and I’m pleased to report they are ok for now. There have been many prayers and good wishes expressed for their health and welfare.
Another birthday got me thinking about what I have learned this year and the new experiences that came my way whether planned or not.
I have learned that no matter how hard I work there is always more to do and my expectations always seem to exceed my output. Others tell me I’m doing a good job but I’m sure I can always do better.
A driving holiday can still be fun even if you are sick with pneumonia. Thank goodness for a great friend and lovely sister. We had a really good time and would all do it again.
Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Listen to what they say, offer advice if they ask for it and support them in whatever they do.
Weddings are wonderful especially when you can marry your son and his new bride. Not many people can say they have done that.
I have learned to treasure time with my Mum and Dad. I have watched my Mum struggle with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and the effect that has had on my Dads health. It was a sobering time having to see my Mum go into a home and my Dad accept help from support services none of hoped he would ever need.
Life is precious and our children and families are a gift. I have the best family in the world.
Retirement is still a long way away but now there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Less than ten years and six months to go but whose counting.
The best birthday present you can get is dinosaur teeth for my dinosaur garden. Apparently I have one in my back yard, according to by granddaughter, and now I have some dinosaur teeth to add to the collection of rocks there (thanks Sophie).
If you bring the washing in throw it in the dryer for 15 minutes before you put it away and you won’t need to iron (I hate ironing).
Now I wonder what I’ll learn next year?
Another birthday got me thinking about what I have learned this year and the new experiences that came my way whether planned or not.
I have learned that no matter how hard I work there is always more to do and my expectations always seem to exceed my output. Others tell me I’m doing a good job but I’m sure I can always do better.
A driving holiday can still be fun even if you are sick with pneumonia. Thank goodness for a great friend and lovely sister. We had a really good time and would all do it again.
Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Listen to what they say, offer advice if they ask for it and support them in whatever they do.
Weddings are wonderful especially when you can marry your son and his new bride. Not many people can say they have done that.
I have learned to treasure time with my Mum and Dad. I have watched my Mum struggle with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and the effect that has had on my Dads health. It was a sobering time having to see my Mum go into a home and my Dad accept help from support services none of hoped he would ever need.
Life is precious and our children and families are a gift. I have the best family in the world.
Retirement is still a long way away but now there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Less than ten years and six months to go but whose counting.
The best birthday present you can get is dinosaur teeth for my dinosaur garden. Apparently I have one in my back yard, according to by granddaughter, and now I have some dinosaur teeth to add to the collection of rocks there (thanks Sophie).
If you bring the washing in throw it in the dryer for 15 minutes before you put it away and you won’t need to iron (I hate ironing).
Now I wonder what I’ll learn next year?
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Little Angels
Many significant events for those in our extended family seem to be heralded by less than ideal weather i.e. it's generally raining or about to.
My daughter was married on a showery Sunday in June and her children were both born on wet days. My son and daughter-in-law were also married on another showery day, and the rehearsal for that wedding was held with umbrellas aloft.
Today has been no exception. It has been the coldest day on record for December with rain all day and we have welcomed into our extended family twin girls who were born to my niece this morning. They have arrived way too early at just 24.3 weeks gestation but are currently stable.
So my thoughts and prayers today are for these two little angels to have the strength to face all the challenges that lie ahead.
My daughter was married on a showery Sunday in June and her children were both born on wet days. My son and daughter-in-law were also married on another showery day, and the rehearsal for that wedding was held with umbrellas aloft.
Today has been no exception. It has been the coldest day on record for December with rain all day and we have welcomed into our extended family twin girls who were born to my niece this morning. They have arrived way too early at just 24.3 weeks gestation but are currently stable.
So my thoughts and prayers today are for these two little angels to have the strength to face all the challenges that lie ahead.
Happy things
I travel to and from the city most weekdays by bus (no there's no Yuk story today). It can be a bit of a drag travelling along the same route at about the same time day after day but I try to look for things that make me smile.
I love seeing a rainbow in the morning. Not sure why the morning is better than the afternoon. To me they have a magical effect and I always think of the myth about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If I'm on the bus I can stare at it for as long as I like and daydream and it's a nice start to the day.
There are also weird things that make me happy. One morning while the bus was waiting for a light to change I saw about five crows on the side of the road trying to open a container of sushi someone had obviously thrown away. One crow was the lookout three of the other four tried one after the other to open the container with little success. The the first crow sort of sauntered up (I think he was top of the pecking order) and stood on top of the container and started to peck at it. In just a few seconds there was a hole in the top and the crow was ripping the contents out as best he could while the others just looked on. Unfortunately the light changed and I didn't get to see what happened next. Again it made me smile. I wonder what happened next did the other crows get their share? That's one I'll never know.
Seeing hot air balloons in the morning also makes me smile and I day dream that one day I'll be up there floating in the silence. Ah bliss, I also love quiet but that doesn't happen on the bus.
I love seeing a rainbow in the morning. Not sure why the morning is better than the afternoon. To me they have a magical effect and I always think of the myth about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If I'm on the bus I can stare at it for as long as I like and daydream and it's a nice start to the day.
There are also weird things that make me happy. One morning while the bus was waiting for a light to change I saw about five crows on the side of the road trying to open a container of sushi someone had obviously thrown away. One crow was the lookout three of the other four tried one after the other to open the container with little success. The the first crow sort of sauntered up (I think he was top of the pecking order) and stood on top of the container and started to peck at it. In just a few seconds there was a hole in the top and the crow was ripping the contents out as best he could while the others just looked on. Unfortunately the light changed and I didn't get to see what happened next. Again it made me smile. I wonder what happened next did the other crows get their share? That's one I'll never know.
Seeing hot air balloons in the morning also makes me smile and I day dream that one day I'll be up there floating in the silence. Ah bliss, I also love quiet but that doesn't happen on the bus.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Yuk!
I have been travelling on the bus to and from work for quite a few years now and at times I see things I really don't want to. Tonight was one such trip.
Over the last week I have been catching a later bus after visiting my niece in hospital and the bus is not so crowded. Tonight I hopped on and took my seat and started to gaze blankly out the window. As it was getting dark there's mostly just a reflection from inside the bus.
I was off with the fairies when what I was actually seeing registered in my befuddled brain.
There was a reasonably well dressed man sitting two seats in front of me to my right and he was PICKING HIS NOSE! Not just a discreet brush but a full on dig up to the first joint of his forefinger. YUK!!!! He didn't have a tissue or handkerchief to wipe it on I think he was rolling it between his fingers. Then just before I got off the bus he brushed whatever had dropped in his lap onto the floor. Gives me the heeby jeebies just thinking about it.
I thought I'd look in the other direction but then I was looking straight at him and of course when I went back to looking out the window I could see his reflection. He kept it up obviously thinking no one would see him. But lucky me I saw it all.
There are some things that people may like to do that are best done in private and that was definitely one of them. Next time you think it might be OK to have a pick or whatever, just be aware there may be someone watching you.
Over the last week I have been catching a later bus after visiting my niece in hospital and the bus is not so crowded. Tonight I hopped on and took my seat and started to gaze blankly out the window. As it was getting dark there's mostly just a reflection from inside the bus.
I was off with the fairies when what I was actually seeing registered in my befuddled brain.
There was a reasonably well dressed man sitting two seats in front of me to my right and he was PICKING HIS NOSE! Not just a discreet brush but a full on dig up to the first joint of his forefinger. YUK!!!! He didn't have a tissue or handkerchief to wipe it on I think he was rolling it between his fingers. Then just before I got off the bus he brushed whatever had dropped in his lap onto the floor. Gives me the heeby jeebies just thinking about it.
I thought I'd look in the other direction but then I was looking straight at him and of course when I went back to looking out the window I could see his reflection. He kept it up obviously thinking no one would see him. But lucky me I saw it all.
There are some things that people may like to do that are best done in private and that was definitely one of them. Next time you think it might be OK to have a pick or whatever, just be aware there may be someone watching you.
Friday, 2 December 2011
Putting up the tree
My family used to think I was a bit nuts over the timing of putting up the Christmas Tree. In our house I didn't usually let them put it up until the 8th of December.
I know you are thinking what an odd date to choose. Now it might be just me but I have a birthday on the 7th and it's my day. I don't really want to share it with Christmas. Don't get me wrong I love Christmas and all it represents and treasure the extra time I can spend with my wonderful family (some of who don't listen apparently but that's another story).
In the 'olden days' my kids would be chomping at the bit to put up the tree. The chant would resonate through the house. 'Can we put up the tree, pleeeeaaasssee.' 'Everyone else has theirs up why can't we'. It took a long time for them to understand it was a me thing.
Of course once the tree was up then came the decorating, it was adorned with all those wonderful carboard stars, Santas etc. decorated with with cotton wool, crepe paper and glitter glue interspersed on the tree with the baubles held together with sticky tape because the dog had chewed them. And of course there were the lights that took forever to get going because you had to find replace the one pesky blown bulb. Under our tree was also a wax candle of Santa. He sat under each tree we put up for many years and each year looked a little worse for wear when everything was packed away. The kids always thought it was the most beautiful tree ever. The ghosts of Christmas past still lerk in the box (including wax Santa) and rarely see the light of day but they hold treasured memories of family time (fights and all) in putting up the Christmas tree, the accumulated presents and the delight of Christmas Day.
The tradition has faded a little in my house now as the family has moved on. The memories were all brought back tonight though when I saw the delight my granddaughter had in showing me the lights on their tree. It's such a special time.
I know you are thinking what an odd date to choose. Now it might be just me but I have a birthday on the 7th and it's my day. I don't really want to share it with Christmas. Don't get me wrong I love Christmas and all it represents and treasure the extra time I can spend with my wonderful family (some of who don't listen apparently but that's another story).
In the 'olden days' my kids would be chomping at the bit to put up the tree. The chant would resonate through the house. 'Can we put up the tree, pleeeeaaasssee.' 'Everyone else has theirs up why can't we'. It took a long time for them to understand it was a me thing.
Of course once the tree was up then came the decorating, it was adorned with all those wonderful carboard stars, Santas etc. decorated with with cotton wool, crepe paper and glitter glue interspersed on the tree with the baubles held together with sticky tape because the dog had chewed them. And of course there were the lights that took forever to get going because you had to find replace the one pesky blown bulb. Under our tree was also a wax candle of Santa. He sat under each tree we put up for many years and each year looked a little worse for wear when everything was packed away. The kids always thought it was the most beautiful tree ever. The ghosts of Christmas past still lerk in the box (including wax Santa) and rarely see the light of day but they hold treasured memories of family time (fights and all) in putting up the Christmas tree, the accumulated presents and the delight of Christmas Day.
The tradition has faded a little in my house now as the family has moved on. The memories were all brought back tonight though when I saw the delight my granddaughter had in showing me the lights on their tree. It's such a special time.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
The brolle
It's that time of year again when we arm ourselves with an umbrella. Who knows when the next storm will roll in. Have you ever noticed that it always seems to pelt down with rain at 3.00pm when school get out or at 5.00pm when the home commute starts.
I can't tell you the number of times I have got soaked so now I carry a fold up umbrella in my work bag no matter what.
Have you ever thought what a great invention the umbrella is. A light-weight portable cover that you can fold up and put away when you don't need it. It offers protection from the rain and the sun. They come in range of colours and designs and are a great fashion accessory. Very practical indeed.
On the other hand have you thought how stupid they are. A flimsy metal frame with a bit of material stretched just so to offer some sort of cover. As you step out into the worst gale in history it blows inside out and next thing you know you're drenched. If you manage not to do a most impressive Mary Poppins impression it covers your head and maybe one shoulder and the rest of you gets wet. It's no match for horizontal rain but we persevere dodging along city streets, that are wind tunnels in their own right, doing our best not to perform instant eye operations on passers by with the pointy bits.
Now when I wield an umbrella I never seem to have enough hands. I'm trying to get the stupid thing up while still holding onto my handbag and work carry bag. So if you see a crazy lady fighting with an umbrella, stop to give her a hand, it could be me.
I can't tell you the number of times I have got soaked so now I carry a fold up umbrella in my work bag no matter what.
Have you ever thought what a great invention the umbrella is. A light-weight portable cover that you can fold up and put away when you don't need it. It offers protection from the rain and the sun. They come in range of colours and designs and are a great fashion accessory. Very practical indeed.
On the other hand have you thought how stupid they are. A flimsy metal frame with a bit of material stretched just so to offer some sort of cover. As you step out into the worst gale in history it blows inside out and next thing you know you're drenched. If you manage not to do a most impressive Mary Poppins impression it covers your head and maybe one shoulder and the rest of you gets wet. It's no match for horizontal rain but we persevere dodging along city streets, that are wind tunnels in their own right, doing our best not to perform instant eye operations on passers by with the pointy bits.
Now when I wield an umbrella I never seem to have enough hands. I'm trying to get the stupid thing up while still holding onto my handbag and work carry bag. So if you see a crazy lady fighting with an umbrella, stop to give her a hand, it could be me.
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