Australia – A Land of Contrast

The 31st December 2010, the last day of the old, and soon to be the new year, the weather put on a show.

The 31st December, saw Australia endure everything from the threat of cyclone in the west, to flooding in the north and high temperatures and fire danger in the south. It’s not abnormal, these extremes, we are talking about Australia. She is a land of contrast.

I think people have forgotten what Australia is truly capable of. Many people just sit back and wait for someone to tell them to do something, tell them to leave, tell them to tie everything down, tell them to have batteries at hand, or food or drinking water.

We are adults, people need to realise that the more they rely on government authorities to tell them what to do, the less choices there will be in the future. We need to make sure we are self-reliant and not reliant on others to make decisions for us.

Make 2011 the year you decide to become accountable for your actions, the year that you become aware of your surroundings and you become aware of what is going on around you.

The year that you stand up if you see something that isn’t right, the year that you make yourself heard above the rabble for the causes that need fighting.

Australia is a compassionate country, but for some it seems more important to look over our vast waters to neighbouring countries and offering aid there. We need to look in our own backyard first.

There are children and adults, without adequate food and shelter. There are agencies that need our help and yet people are willing to assist those less fortunate in other countries and happily turn a blind eye to those on their own doorstep.

Make 2011 the year that you become self-aware and help those in your neighbourhood and town, be it the next door neighbour or an Australian based charity.

Welcome to 2011 – may it be the best yet!

MY CHRISTMAS CARD (To You)

Special thanks to you all - hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and an exciting, prosperous 2011

THIS IS MY CHRISTMAS CARD AND WISHES TO YOU.

As we approach the beginning of another year - I want to thank all of you for your educational e-mails over the past year. I am now totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery.

I no longer open a bathroom door without using a paper towel, or have the waitress put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.

I can't use the remote in a hotel room because I don't know what the last person was doing while flipping through the adult movie channels.

I can't sit down on the hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed..hmmmm

I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking one's nose.

Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.

I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public bathroom.

I MUST ALSO SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS to whoever sent me the one about rat crap in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.

ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.

I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die for the 1,387,258th time.

I no longer have any money, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.

I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's Novena has granted my every wish.

I can't have a drink in a bar because I'll wake up in a bathtub full of ice with my kidneys gone.

I can't eat at KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes, feet or feathers.

I can't use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.

I no longer buy petrol without taking someone along to watch the car so a serial killer doesn't crawl in my back seat when I'm filling up.

I no longer drink Pepsi or Fanta since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put 'Under God' on their cans.

I no longer use Cling Wrap in the microwave because it causes seven different types of cancer.

THANKS TO YOU I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big black snake could be lurking under the seat and cause me instant death when it bites my butt.

AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE I can't ever pick up a cent dropped in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting to grab me as I bend over.

I no longer drive my car because buying gas from some companies supports Al Qaeda, and buying gas from all the others supports South American dictators.

I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the Violin Spider and my hand will fall off.

Oh, by the way..... A German scientist from Argentina , after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mail with their hand on the mouse.

Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.

PS: I now keep my toothbrush in the living room, because I was told by e-mail that water splashes over 6 ft. out of the toilet.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year I think. Just joking keep sending them they are a joy to read.

New Years Resolutions

It’s the 31st December, you are getting ready for the New Years Eve party. What resolutions have you resolved to make?

What resolutions did you make last year and fail miserably at?

Did you know that by the 1st week of January upwards of 50% of New Years Resolutions are already broken and the by the 3rd week 90% and by February that figure is up to 97%

Ouch!

The top New Years Resolutions that are broken are:-
1. Lose Weight
2. Lose the Debt
3. Save Money
4. Get a Better Job
5. Get Fit
6. Drink Less Alcohol
7. Quit Smoking
8. Learn Something New

Do any of these sound familiar – I know some do to me

Let’s change the statistics and see what we can do to change the outlook!

1. Choose things that ARE obtainable. It is unlikely you will look like Wonder Woman or Superman in 2 weeks – it takes years to achieve anything even remotely like that! Settle for something a little more attainable like no muffin top!
2. Don’t be too hard on yourself, IF you don’t achieve fantastic results in the first week. A good habit takes 6 months to infiltrate your life, it takes time.
3. Remember a smaller task is easier to achieve that one big one, treat any New Years Resolution, the same way you would achieve a goal at work/school. Break it down.
4. Get a friend to join you – it could be fun and you can give each other a boost along the way
5. Don’t go making too many promises – too many almost always creates a sense of failure.
6. Choose a few well-intentioned and achievable results.

Good luck!

Merry Christmas

“HO HO HO” Says Santa as he departs on his sleigh pulled by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Today is the day – that the kids haven’t slept, that the elves have been busy in the garage, putting everything together until way after midnight.

The day is hot, the stove is on, how crazy is that? – Everyone is running around like chooks without a head. The table yet to be set, the chairs yet to be dusted off and matched as best as can be and placed at the numerous tables. Make sure there is enough ice, if you can find somewhere open that has ice to sell.

The temperature is rising, the kids are tired and cranky already, it’s only 9am. Do you turn the air-conditioner on yet – or wait a little while?

Oh no……. you forgot the cream for the dessert, where can you buy some now on Christmas day?

You manage to get some cream. The realize that little Johnny’s present needs batteries, another dash down to the service station, where at the counter it is 10 deep with people all having the same problem.

Home again, the family starts arriving. Suddenly you realize that you have placed Uncle Jack and Uncle Tom next to each other. Don’t you remember last year? They both drank too much and nearly ended up in fisty-cuffs. Quickly change the name placings.

Oh……. I wish we lived closer to the beach, we could all be down on the beach, watching the kids in the water and have more room.

But then again…………… who would swap a tradition for something that might be more fun, but less stressful and less meaning. You can go to the beach anytime you want.

Merry Christmas and remember it’s one day of the year and it might be stressful – but you look back on the memories!

HO HO HO and a Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Holiday Season - It's Christmas Time

It’s now officially the holiday season or as us Aussies call it the Christmas Break. This is the time we go mad and drive 100’s of miles and think nothing of it.

Like you – this blog is going to take a holiday also

There will be postings on the
25.12.09
26.12.09
27.12.09
31.12.09
01.01.10
02.01.10
03.01.10
09.01.10
10.01.10

And normal programming will re-commence on the 11th January!

Stay Safe, stay cool and remember if a fire threatens you - leave if you don't feel comfortable

I'll see you on the 11th unless something important comes up that needs discussing!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

HS

Hot Roast and Hot Heads on the day............

Which we call Christmas. It is the day we celebrate the birth of Christ, they day we celebrate new life. Well……. We used to, now it is the celebration of the biggest gift, the most expensive gift. The meaning of Christmas is being lost in the retail madness. Once upon a time, it was privilege to have a roast, it was a symbol of well being and wealth. Today if you cook at home, it seems to symbolize being poor and not being able to afford to eat out.

Christmas is about family, about celebrating life. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it doesn’t have to be at the best restaurant in town. It is about enjoying each others company, about celebrating your life and theirs, everyone’s well-being. The last 12 months have been hard on many families, with many families missing a link.

Remember those we lost, through accidents, natural causes, bushfires or illness. We miss them all.

Another hazard of Christmas is the overloaded circuit board from the air-conditioner or the Christmas lights. Otherwise known as Merry Frymas. Don’t plug double adaptor on double adaptor. Your house is old and may not be able to cope with the pressure. If in doubt call an electrician and save the pain of a house fire.

Merry drinkfeast I think we all know the dangers of this crime. It is the day that the nicest people turn into alcohol filled demons with words that would cut a block of concrete.

Other hazards to look out for are, dreaded Aunty Dot, who smells as though she has crawled from the local landfill. It is the day that you have to be nice to everyone, even if you haven’t spoken to them for the past 12 months.

Let bygones be bygones and remember Christmas Day is the day to celebrate family, regardless of the fact you may hate them. When they are gone, you will miss them, and no I don’t believe you are sitting there disagreeing with me, just sort-of agreeing.

If you are alone, visit someone else who maybe alone. It doesn’t have to involve money, even sitting down over a glass of water, costs nothing but means the earth. It’s never too late to call on someone unexpectedly. I am sure they would appreciate it.

Enjoy the day, money doesn’t make the family, nor does it make for a happy day. Any gift regardless of size, means that someone thought of you, and that thought cannot be bought with money.

Stay safe, drive safe and please don’t drink and drive. It’s not worth it

XXOO

The 18th Birthday Bash

Darling Miss 17 is now Darling Miss (obnoxious) 18. Well only obnoxious when well-soaked in vodka had her dreaded themed 18th black and silver party at home.

We had what I consider to be a large gathering of teenagers and adults at our place on the weekend. Maybe 50 in total, maybe more – didn’t do a head count.

10kg of chicken wings, 10kg of steak, 10kg of Sausages, 2kg of homemade potato salad, 2kg of Pasta Salad, 5 lettuces, 2kg of tomatoes, 4 boxes of party pies and sausage rolls, 5 loaves of bread, 5kg of bacon, 5 large packets of chips, 18 slabs of mixed soft drinks.

Add to that 1 portaloo and DJ and I think you get the idea. All to be held in the shed.

The kids started arriving at 3pm – some came early because that was when they could get dropped off – we have the advantage of being 7km from the nearest point of public transport.

And yes – I call that an advantage as I think it deterred trouble makers.

The night progressed well – we did not supply alcohol as I didn’t want to have any problems with under-age drinkers.

The DJ played, the kids danced, at one stage there was a soccer game under lights occurring. I do believe the girls were wearing high-heels!

All in all – there were few problems – some of the kids (about 12) slept over due to drinking and ‘P’ plates, 3 girls ended up sleeping in the house for various reasons (Mums – I think you know what I am talking about), only 1 set of car keys confiscated. So all in all – not too bad.

The night itself didn’t end until about 5am – I rode the night out and managed to get them all settled – maybe not asleep but at least not running around feral.

Breakfast was a bacon and eggs affair – cooked by the 12yo after the 19yo couldn’t manage it (I was still tucked up in bed) By the time I saw the light of day – breakfast had been consumed, decorations were already being taken down and still kids were here helping. I certainly can’t complain.

The last of the party-goers left at about 3pm – all in all a good night had by all!

Are we there yet? - The Season to be Silly

It’s Christmas, the time we go away on holiday, the time we go visit relatives in far flung places, the time we spend far too much of confined in a metal box on wheels, with too many kids screaming “Are we there yet?”

It’s the silly season. The time we make silly decisions and decide that the 1000km drive to Aunty Flo’s place is a great idea. We forget that it would be 40’C in the shade and that the air-conditioning in the car is not what it used to be.

We are silly to assume that the kids would behave. We forgot last year, when we left little Johnny at the rest stop with his big sister. We forgot that the everyone else has the same silly ideas, about going to visit their Aunty Jo.

Are we there yet? – what else can I say?

Some hints and safety tips to ensure you stay on the road and get there in one piece.
1. Make sure the driver is well rested and if possible, both adults should take turns in driving, switching every 2 hours at a rest stop where everyone can stretch their legs.
2. Each person the vehicle must by law have their own seatbelt. DO NOT share seatbelts, that could kill someone, even in a minor accident
3. Each child under the age of 7yo must be in an approved child restraint, the safest position in the car is the centre back seat
4. No children under the age of 12 to ride in the front seat, there is scientific evidence that a child under the age of 12yo, may be grievously harmed by the airbag, which is designed for adults.
5. There is a 35% increase in safety when passengers ride in the backseat!
6. Do not overcrowded the passenger space with luggage, it might be inconvenient, but take a trailer, it doesn't use much more fuel and makes life so much more comfortable(and sane).
7. Allow the children to take 1-2 toys with them, that can be used to amuse them whilst in the car
8. If using portable DVD players etc., make sure you have comfortable ear phones for the children, so you can still have an adult conversation with the driver/passenger
9. Don’t be afraid to stop if you see something interesting. It breaks the journey and doesn’t take that long.
10. Take some food and drink with you, saves money AND time and let’s everyone have something they like and tastes good. Just make sure it is chilled with iceblocks etc.

It’s dangerous out there, take care and remember no-one died being late. Speed kills.

XXOO

Christmas Tree – Real or Fake?

T’was the week before Christmas, no decorations up – you are busy – you are rushed. You can’t be bothered. Then the kids start complaining.

The mess of a real tree or the old reliable fake tree from storage?

You toss the ideas around and figure the fake tree from the shed. Who wants pine needles everywhere, sure they smell is nice, but after a week the real tree starts to look decidedly tired. So out with the real, and in with the 20 year old antique!

My tree is 23 years old this year, and I gather many others have similarly geriatric trees, residing in their storage areas, be it in the shed or the roof space!

First a little history and then into the Bad 'V' Good of a each type of tree!

The first artificial tree originated in Germany, towards the end of the 1800’s and comprised of metal wire trees, covered in feathers, which often had been dyed green to imitate the colours of a real pine tree. In the 1930’s, the Addis brush Company (which also made toilet brushes) started making brush trees using the same machines as those that made the toilet brushes. This design was patented in the 1950’s. Since then artificial trees have grown in both size and quality.

So now, let’s look at the difference between the two – the good, the bad and the ugly.

Real Tree
Real Trees cost more, as they are purchased new each year
In the growing process, real trees absorb carbon dioxide, which is a good thing
Real trees MAY be more of a fire risk as they dry out and the lights are turned on
Real trees allow the scent of pine to permeate the house
Visitors to your house MAY be allergy to pine needles
Provides jobs in the growing, transportation and sale processes
Need constant tending, with water and pine needle pick-up
Has a limited indoor life span
Dispose of the tree can be a problem
Estimated Annual Contribution of Greenhouse gases is 3kg per annum

Fake Tree
The ongoing monetary cost decreases with each year of use
A slightly less of a fire risk than real trees – as branches are insulated
No smell
NO allergy concerns
No on-going job prospects, once the tree has been purchased
No tending required, once tree has been erected
No life-span restrictions – although disposal may be an issue if and when required
No immediate disposal issues
Some cheaper trees do look cheap, and visually worse than a ‘real’ tree
Time is required to assemble the tree and make it look good before decorated
To negate the environmental impact you need to keep your tree for 20 years, (average 6yrs)
Fake trees may contain toxic materials such as lead.
Estimated Annual Contribution of Greenhouse gases is 8kg per annum

There are pros and cons with both types of trees, like always convenience is a big factor in choosing which tree is right for you.

There is another option you could consider. If you have the room in your backyard, why not grow a potted pine, something like a Douglas Fir – which is a tree, that is quite rare. The only thing you have to remember is that the work of that Christmas tree is a weekly thing and not just once a year. It certainly is a feasible idea, just involved more work.

I prefer a fake tree – not just because of the cost, but it is simple and easy to erect, no chasing around, if I want to erect my tree at midnight on Christmas Eve, I can do that. A real tree you wouldn’t be able to do that.

Viva la tree – what are your thoughts? – Fake over Green? Green over Fake? Would love your input, perhaps you are making that choice as we speak? – Let us know – appreciated!