In Memory of Joan Gillespie 1937-13th July 2012

Today I learnt that a dear friend had passed away. Nothing is as final death. Not illness, not sickness, NOTHING.

I've known Joan since 2002, May actually. I was working at the Austin Hospital at the time.

We seemed to hit it off straight away, age made no difference, nor the fact that she was wheelchair bound and using a respirator to survive. See Joan was a polio sufferer, yet suffer she did not.

She helped everyone, she had a smile for everyone. She was a beautiful person.

She always put everyone else's needs above her own. In fact when I saw her on Thursday, whilst she was an in-patient, she was more concerned with getting out and about again, than worrying about her health. She was worried people were missing her already (She'd been in hospital one week)

She would do the shopping for many patients, buying Tattslotto tickets and generally just being useful for those that couldn't get out. Being wheelchair bound made no difference to her.

Her lovely husband John, made much of this possible, John was Joan's right hand man, literally.

Joan (and John) would regularly present a Sunday session on Inner FM, Melbourne 96.5FM Much of the music was requested by Joan and Johns' friends.

Some of Joans' Milestones

1937 - Contracted polio and lived in an Iron Lung for the next 30 years

1967 - (approx) released from the confines of the Iron Lung

1980 - (approx) Met John, her partner

1990 - debut on radio

2011 - Victorian Senior of the Year Awards - Veteran Community Award

 Joan was an avid listener to 3AW Melbourne radio, as well as a prolific poem writer, which were often broadcast on 3AW radio.

I have previously written about Joan (and Charlie) here My Hero

Joan loved the work she did, it may have been voluntary, but to Joan it was work and very rewarding from what she always told me.

Joan, you will live in my memory forever. I looked up at you. My problems seemed like baby goldfish. Yours were the sharks of the world.

Thank-you for being my friend.

Thinking of you John at your great time of loss.

Truth

Truth is something that people are more and more often avoiding speaking about, addressing or even confronting.

Sure THE TRUTH hurts sometimes, but would you rather people didn't tell you the truth?

Would you rather people who knew something you don't, never utter a word for fear of hurting your feelings?

Would you rather be ripped off by a business partner, because someone on the outside could see what was happening, but was afraid of being attacked by you, because you always attack when confronted with the truth?

A friend is a person who is not afraid of telling you The Truth, because they know that you have enough guts to face the truth and not blame them for telling it as it is.

People think that sugar-coating everything is good for the people, good for the children, good for the world.

Sugar-coating, only brings corpulence, corruption, deceit and the eventual mistrust of everyone and everything.

A person who is capable of telling the truth is a friend indeed. Remember that, because tomorrow, looks and brains may not be everything to get you by.

A pinch of honesty is the best thing for everything and remember, not everyone in the competition of life can win a prize. Some people have to win the wooden spoon too. Hell I've won a couple in my lifetime.

"Get rid of your regrets. You are what you are from what you have experienced. And rightly understood and accepted. All experiences are good, and the bitter ones best of all"

From:- Nifty Nuts 1910.

The Federal Government is Broke and I am a Tax Cheat.

The 8th of February 2012, made me realise that the Federal Government really is hard up for money and that government employees have no idea how to perform their job let alone meet KPI's.

I received a letter dated the 8th February 2012, stating :"You may not be eligible for *********** tax refund that you claimed in 2009 and 2010 tax returns."

Claiming that I had not made payment application for benefit **** from Centrelink.

Hate to tell you ATO - but you were WRONG. I had claimed BOTH benefits, one had been accepted, the 2010 period in PAID July 2011 and the 2009 period was denied by Centrelink because Centrelink couldn't "data-match" with ATO records.

I resubmitted the Centrelink claim for benefit **** for the 2009 period and blindly waited for a response. Centrelink guidelines are 28 day turn-around. I advised ATO this was the case and sat back and waited (stupid me)

I re-entered the Centrelink office on the 21st March, they advised me that the claim was still being processed. I asked for a letter confirming this was the case, which I received and duly faxed off to the to Centrelink AND ATO data-matching team office. NO RESPONSE. Exert "As this matter is beyond my ability to solve. I just have to wait and consequently you will also have to wait. This also means that the adjustment to my tax return for the period 2009 can not be enforced until such time as Centrelink data-match information previously provided to them in July 2011."

On the 17th April, low and behold a revised assessment is received from the ATO claiming I owe them $1000. I duly send off ANOTHER letter to both the ATO and Centrelink. No response is received from either party. Exert: "As I have previously explained to you. Centrelink have failed to fulfil their end of the application, regarding benefit **** which was submitted to them on the 27th February 2012. I have now received an amended assessment, which I will not pay until Centrelink either pay or decline my application, which has been submitted. not once BUT twice for this period."

On the 19th April I decide enough is enough and submit a complaint to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. Low and behold within 48 hours I am talking to sane people from both the Ombudsman AND ATO (Not Centrelink)

At NO POINT IN time did ANYONE from Centrelink contact me to discuss this matter, even when escalated to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. NOT ONCE.

The ATO refuse to acknowledge they are wrong in applying a penalty, when evidence obviously shows doubt. They will only extend the payment due date, nothing else. But better than nothing I suppose.

On the 24th April 2012, (57 days after second application) a determination is made in my favour (as I knew it would be) and Centrelink have to pay me (as I knew would be the case.)

I then have to contact the ATO and advise them this is the case. Exert: "The stress you placed upon me was unacceptable and no-one was prepared to accept the fact that I am an honest law-abiding citizen. No wonder people dislike the ATO and staff face issues of verbal abuse, in relation to determinations that are incorrect. and force people to approach the Ombudsman to get things resolved."

The matter is now closed, but the fact that Centrelink did not contact me regarding ANY correspondence sent to them and ATO take 5 days to acknowledge fax or not at all in some cases, is deplorable.

My only conclusion in all of this, is that the Federal Government is broke and they are hoping the Little Mr and Mrs Smith, will just pay up and shut up and save the Government billions in benefits and reap illegal back payments.

Have you had a similar experience?

 My previous run-ins with Centrelink.

Social Security - September 2009
Social Security - Name and Shame - July 2011

**Centrelink finally called me on the 10th May 2012 at 5pm.........

Disappointed

Often I get let down in life, just like you and everyone around you.

But enough is enough, I've been used and abused, far too often to allow it to continue any longer.

Time and time again, people offer to help with something and in reality they are only looking to gain either personally, professionally or financially. Enough is enough.

I don't play politics and I don't have an ego (So I'm told) My problem is I'm too trusting, too forgiving and I think it's time I changed all that and stopped being a super highway for other people's egos.

There is only so many times you can be used and abused. There are so many times you can lose your job because someone decides you make them look bad.

There are only so many times that offers of help are stymied by those only looking for personal gain.

There are only so many times, you can offer your hand in friendship to help others and they walk all over you.

Well starting today, things are going to change.

I always said that "You can only rely on you and you only" Well that is now so true, it's almost criminal.

I am beginning to understand why people turn into loners and Lonely old women with a 100 cats. I really can.

I have my darling husband, he'll keep me tethered and stop me turning into that mad woman down the street with a 100 cats, I'll make a concession and only keep 2.

I won't hoard animals, but I certainly won't hoard associates nor useless, using friends.

I'm sick of the tears, I'm sick of feeling angry and frustrated. I'm sick of feeling used and abused.

My ability to trust has slowly been eroded over the years and tonight was the last straw. my trust just collapsed into a chasm deeper than I thought possible.

My spirit might be broken, but my soul is still my own, no-one will ever own that.

AND if you are reading this from on the internet and I haven't met you in person. I'm sorry - but you don't rate in any of this. But I can't trust you until I meet you. End of story.

Are you Dead?

Weird question……. Hell I’m a weird person, so I suppose it’s normal for me to have weird questions.

I always worry when people disappear from my digital life, they come, they make an impression, (or you wouldn’t be worrying about them) and they go. Not in the, I hate you, I don’t agree with you way ………… but just *POOF* gone and it makes me worry.

People say why worry? I worry! Just because it may be someone I’ve never met In Real Life (IRL) but someone I’ve met through a computer screen. They are real people even if some say it’s not like these people are your friends. I consider them a friend, the only difference is they are a digital friend – I may not share what I do with IRL friends, but you still share a little bit of you every time you communicate.

One memorable case for me, someone had obviously got sick of social networking, so they posted

‘It's not you, it's me. 999 days together (that went quick!) but I need a break. If you need me, you know where to find me.”

Now this works for me, it tells me they are okay (well you hope so) and that perhaps they’ll be back, perhaps they won’t, but at least you know they are okay.

Whilst writing this blog post – I realised that someone else has gone and done the *POOF* thing. It wasn’t until I asked others that I found a website etc.

Because 90% of my work (and my relaxation) time is computer orientated, I use social networking like the proverbial water cooler and will often pop in and talk to a variety of people, the conversations often aren’t very deep, but they are enough to make someone smile or laugh and that could be the highlight of someone’s day.

For me social networking is not just about advertising oneself (which I rarely do) It’s not about spamming the people you talk to. It’s about communicating with people who have similar interests, worries, concerns or even just strange animals! (Yup, animals can define who you are too!)

So next time you take a hiatus from social networking, let someone know, if you decide to change your name, let people know also – it may seem a small thing for you – but some people do care. Perhaps you run a business and use your business name as your name on social networking – suddenly, you can no longer be traced. (That’s not a good business practice!)

Someone sitting behind a computer a screen does care, even if sometimes it appears they don’t.

Enjoy the day and remember treat others as you wish to be treated!

Are you a fake?

Have you every claimed someone else’s hard work as your own? Ever taken something and claimed it as your own? Every worked together with someone and then taken the collaborative work and claimed it as your own? Has someone ever given you something in good faith and you’ve failed to carry through with the promise you made to them?

If you’ve ever done anything like that – YOU ARE A FAKE.

I want everyone to remember, that Karma is a Bitch and she bides her time – you’ve heard that revenge is a dish best served cold, well the good girl Karma knows how to serve that dish.

My reason for writing this is because I built something, I created something and I gave it to someone in the good faith they would do what needs to be done. They have now cut me from their life, they have ceased all communication and I feel used and dirty.

I trust people – I trust that there is more good than bad in this world. I’m renowned for working solo and now I know why.

I hope that this person who is claiming to be something they are not, who is using goods that are not their own and claiming the hard work of others as their own realises before it’s too late that Karma is a Bitch, because SHE bites.

Enjoy the day and remember tomorrow may never come, or if it does, it may be totally different to what you expected yesterday.

I’ve was never so scared

**Reposted from other blog - This was natural causes, nothing Telstra could do about it, BUT.......... it shows the emotion, when vulnerable people can't be contacted by telephone.......... and the emotions that those who can't reach them suffer. Further to my blog post Saturday - How many thefts, how many deaths before telstra are made accountable? and no telephone service AGAIN

It was Thursday, the 26th November 2009, a storm warning was issued for Melbourne, I had been talking to people about a dust storm and then decided to check the BOM site for weather warnings. A storm warning had been issued, and no sooner had I sighted the warning, than it was upon us.

I rang my daughter, she is about 30km further north than where I am located and told me that she was okay but thinks the house had taken a direct lightening hit, as the door frames had turned blue and although she was shaken, she was okay. It was absolutely bucketing and windy. She was hanging up the phone to mop up the water that had entered the house. I was unsure as to how the water had entered to house. That was the least of my concerns.

I tried to ring back some 5-10 minutes later to check how everything was going and there was no answer. Tried the mobile. No answer. My heart is in my mouth. I’m sure as a parent – you are feeling worried also.

Ringing, ringing, ringing, no answer. Getting more worried as the seconds tick past. Start ringing the neighbours. No answer there either, start ringing the mobiles. No answer. I am seeing my house going up in smoke, with the neighbours trying to rescue my daughter.

I hit the panic button and ring my husband, telling him to get home NOW. There is no answer on any phones, the neighbours aren’t answering, the house was flooded. My imagination is running well and truly in overdrive.

Can’t leave work, the nation-wide servers have crashed, the phone system is down. Everyone is panicking!

Finally people from the street start calling/texting. Daughter is okay, the house is fine. 50mm of rain in 15 minutes,. Nothing could be heard apparently. Landlines are down, minor flooding, not sure about the roof, but daughter is alive.

(I had images of her, laying on the floor in a pool of water, dead)

By the time I get home, some 5 hours later, water cleaned up, roof not holed, one landline down, the other the only working one in the street. Neighbours are queuing up to use the phone to report the faults. It’s now Monday mod-morning and still no landlines, or internet.

But everyone is alive and well

(Update - phones re-instated Tuesday, apparently the lightening literally fried the wires in the ground, only left strands not bundles of wires! Still no strike site visible, but was extremely close)

9/11, Sept 11 2001 – The attack on the Western World

I remember where I was, just like so many – I was watching Star Trek, it was some time between 23.00hrs-00.00hrs (AU EST). The transmission was cut to cross live to a building, with a plane approaching, you could see in the background, one building on fire and the plane approaching and just flying into the second building.

It didn’t seem real – how could the cameras be there as it is happened? How could people be describing what is going on? Why was the second building collapsing?

Just too much to comprehend, I woke my husband, he said I was mistaken, it’s too late, I must be dreaming I must have got it wrong.

I didn’t get it wrong. I didn’t sleep that night – I couldn’t sleep that night, the same as many hundreds of other people couldn’t sleep that night here in Australia. The number of people walking through a nightmare in the USA, and other parts of the world, far too numerous to even consider the numbers.

The images of people jumping from a leap that was not survivable, the images of the dust and smoke and ash, of paper being blown about like confetti. The images of people trying to flee one of the most built-up areas in the USA. The images of people emerging from the dust of the building collapse. Everyone was the same, the same shocked look, the same skin colour, the same look of disbelief.

In my minds eye I could see people on the phones in these buildings, saying their goodbyes, saying I love you.

I couldn’t think it possible that one human being or even two or more human beings were capable of destroying something so precious as another human life.

I just couldn’t understand. Many people before me have put their condolences in far better terms that I ever could and for that I say thank-you

I may live in Australia, I may not know anyone who perished in these attacks on the western world, but I felt the horror just as the next person did, just as people did in America.

9/11 wasn’t just an attack on America; it was an attack on the civilised world.

America went to war for world-wide peace, Australia and many other countries also went to war for the same cause.

I don’t like war, nor does my neighbour nor America, but I believe it was a necessary evil. An evil to stop further attacks on you, on me, on my neighbour, on your neighbour, on your family overseas, or on other countries. America and her supporters needed to show a united front on an event that could very well could have lead into WWIII.

May the world never forget 9/11 and may peace reign world-wide forever.

God bless.

**These are my personal views, I will not respond to comments, all comments will be moderated to ensure no hateful comments are left. Thank-you

The Day We Buried Our Father

The weather could not have put on a better show. It wasn’t cold, it wasn’t windy – in fact a perfect day for anything but a burial and funeral.

We left home at the required time to get to the location of the burial and funeral in plenty of time, even allowing for minor traffic hold-ups.

We did NOT consider the possibility of a major road being shut down completely for 45minutes or more. I don’t think anyone does – not even funeral directors.

45 minutes from the cemetery a log truck goes over the edge of the road and blocks the traffic in BOTH directions. Who could believe it? – Certainly not us and most certainly not the guy in front of us who stormed out of the car and threw his phone at me and said please make it work, it’s new and I HAVE TO phone some people, they are expecting me in 60 minutes.

This guy was dressed in a checked shirt and jeans (with his fly down) I don’t know what made me notice that! I made the phone work and he dialled the number while standing in the middle of the road. He seemed panicked – but then again – so was I. I was trying to contact my daughter and my mother. My daughter somewhere behind me and my mother, waiting for us to arrive, so my father could be laid to rest.

Suddenly I realised that the guy standing beside me was trying to contact my mother. I put two and two together and figured out this guy was connected to the funeral parlour and he was explaining that there was a delay. He finished his call, and I interrupted explaining who we were. He realised that we could all be late. The hearse was behind him somewhere and no-one was going anywhere very soon.

He told me to ring my daughter and tell her to pull up on the side of the road and wait for the hearse, and then pull in tightly behind him, he would get the 4 of us through regardless of everyone else.

He walked ahead of the cars and obviously arranged something. I’m not sure how, but before I knew it, the traffic was moving and we cleared the accident and he pulled over, so did too. I was hoping that my daughter had done as instructed. No sooner had we pulled over than the hearse AND my daughter pulled in behind us.

It turns out the road block allowed traffic through until the hearse and the white car had passed and then the road was shut down again.

We proceeded through to town, of the cars that got through the road block all except 4 of those cars had the same destination in mind.

The burial took place on time, at the end of the ceremony and as people were paying their last respects a noise was heard. It sounded like rocks being thrown into the grave. Turns out it was gentleman, who often played cards with my father and apparently the last time they had played cards (before the fire) a debt of copper coins was owed. He had repaid the debt! – I suppose stranger things have happened.

The service went as planned, the number of people predicted turned up and then some. There were no more glitches, thankfully. The day was a day of reminiscing and reunions. The number of people I had not seen for many years were numerous, all saying thank-you for stopping the evacuation, saying thank-you for the cookbook and saying thank-you for having a father who cared enough to stay and help in their time of need.

I was also told that I am already filling the shoes of my father, I’m sure that is a compliment, but it is very tiring, and I am not sure I want to tread in the shoes of my father. He was brilliant at everything he touched, I’m only a beginner. I have many years of learning ahead of me.

Dear dad – the memorial service did you proud, there was plenty of food and if you had been arranging it – you would not have changed a thing!

XXOO

Bullying is in the news again

‘Sticks and Stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me” is so far from the truth, and you don't realise that until you, your children or your family experience bullying, you don’t realise how far from real life this little ditty really is.

Bullying has been going on for as long as you, me, our fathers, and our fathers fathers’ and their fathers learned to walk and talk . This doesn’t make it right. But in this dog eat dog world it has become acceptable to put the weaker gender/person down for as long as possible for personal advantage. Bullies are often inept in social gatherings, they feel inferior, be it at school or work and they think that by standing over those that are better they will be able to force that person to leave or become submissive. Often (but not always) bullies are male, but there are some serious cases of females having engaged in this behaviour also.

There are various forms of bullying from young children, were the stronger child takes the toy from the weaker child and the weaker child ends up crying.

Then the older children, primary school age, where name calling and exclusion in team environments seems to be the preferred method of proving who is stronger.

Then the next stage is secondary school, where verbal bullying and physical violence becomes the normal method of inflicting mental and physical pain upon the weaker person. Along with stealing or removing and defacing property of those being bullied.

Then low and behold the bullying moves into the work environment, where more often than not, the bullying takes the form of mental abuse. Physical and verbal bullying can’t work in this environment because of workplace protection laws. The only time the regulations assist the bully is if the boss is ‘in on it’

There is another method of bullying that has not been documented or recorded and that is bullying by proxy, where physical, verbal or mental abuse it dished out by a third party at the encouragement of the instigator.

Recently, the news has been talking up the number of incidents involving knives in the school yard. Knives may be able to maim and kill, but so can words and fists. People need to understand as a society that one implement is not the only killer available to the bully.

Just last week there was a case in the news where a young woman decided to end it all because of workplace bullying. This is not right. But who could she turn to? Bullying is seen as a silent killer.

It doesn’t matter what age you are – you can succumb to bullying at any stage. A little like a virulent strain of the flu – one moment of weakness can cause you to become a victim, age nor gender is no barrier whatsoever.

If you are a teacher in the education system a good book that may be able to assist you and your school to become bully-free is “Shared Responsibility-Beating bullying in Australian Schools” by Ian Findley. This is a very concise book, that offers workable methods and solutions for the victim, the bully and the teacher. I have prsonally experienced the effect this teaching has had on someone close to me and I have nothing but praise.

If you are subject to bullying, at school or in the workplace, keep a diary of the events and when they happen and give that diary to your teacher or your boss. (keeping a copy for yourself) But the most important thing is not to allow yourself to become a victim, use your network of friends, family and teachers and bosses to help you beat the bully, and show him/her what their actions are doing.

You don’t have to do it alone, there are people out there ready and able to help you. But you have to accept that bullying is occuring before anyone is able to help you.

Life does goes on, even if now it seems that it can't. <-- This is from someone who knows!

Surgery for my ‘other’ baby

I wasn’t going to say anything – but……………….. well – I am now.

My Jack Russell is in for an operation on his ear – The silly little bugger managed to get a grass seed into his inner ear – which was causing him pain.

The first sign was he was a little ‘off-colour’ but not enough to rush to the vets, then I came home last night and he was tilting his head to the side AND also shaking it. The equivalent of a child pulling at his ear when he has an ear infection.

So an appointment made with the local vets – and off we trot.

I’m used to handling animals – but his ear was so sore – that even with me holding him in a headlock, the vet was unable to see what the problem was and seemed to think I was dreaming. It wasn’t until the consultation was almost over – that I realized the only was to show the vet I wasn't dreaming was to become the vet. So I did and within 30 seconds, my brave little man was whimpering in pain.

When he left me - very reluctantly - he was looking back and managed to hit the door jamb! - Fool that he is! - They promised me he wouldn't pine. I hope not.

Further investigation, resulted in him being kept for sedation and probing of the ear. The sedation done and examination completed. He was found to have a grass seed buried deep in his inner ear.

This can’t just be removed, it requires surgery – lucky me. So instead of traumatising him further, I decided to allow him to remain at the vets overnight for the operation to be done today.

I’ve just rung and apparently they are completing the operation as I write this. My poor little boy.

And………. I’ve just received a call back – he’s fine – but the little bugger looks like he stuck the equivalent of a tree branch into his ear – for all of his 6.6kg mass – he had TWO grass seeds in his ear. What are the chances of that?

These seeds are 5-10mm long and he had TWO OF them IN his ear – no wonder he was in so much pain.

I pick him up at 8pm tonight – fingers crossed

Poor baby!

***************************************************
Update

We are home - and everything is OK - The two seeds pulled out

Total cost $214.00 which is not as bad as what I thought it would be.

There was a little bit of delay and the 'vet' dog "Dr Bill" took a liking to me and decided I was his owner. Sat on the couch next to me and made sure I patted him.

When I was called into the consulting room, Dr Bill followed me and demanded more attention and then was evicted as my little man made his entrance. Dr Bill was waiting outside the exam room for me to return - Cutey!

Thanks for your well wishes - I was lost without my little boy Shorty

The day I killed my horse

My horse, my friend of 20 years. She was a big girl, 18hh for those who understand that. She was crop high and had no neck. She was a registered appaloosa. Everyone who had ever seen her, always remembered her. She was a striking girl. No neck, almost steel grey in summer and speckled grey in winter.

I received a call from the owners of the property that she was staying on for grass control to advise me she had been rolling and was sweating. I raced home, suspecting that she had colic.

I called the vet and organized for them to meet me at home (500m from the property) I walked her home with the Old Man, her life-time mate following, no halter, no bridle.

The vet gave her some pain killers and then the waiting began. I walked and walked and walked her. For 5 hours. There is little else that can be done. An operation can be done, but the cost and the age of the horse, pre-determined that this was not a viable option.

The Old Man, walked beside me almost the entire time, encouraging her, encouraging me to try and fix the pain. It was a constant battle to keep her on her feet. She constantly wanted to roll to stop the pain. This is the worst thing you can let them do.

The vet came back and advised there was nothing else could be done. A decision had to made and the sooner the better.

I sent the children down to the property that the horses had come from to advise them that needed to come and say good-bye. Hubby was yet to come home. I was alone. She went to roll again. The pain killers must have been wearing off. I ended up underneath her. I heard my leg ‘pop’ the pain was unbearable.

I remember her getting up and off me, the pain was agonizing. I rolled under a raised water tank, thinking that would give me some protection if she came down again.

The Old Man was trying to help her. She was trying to figure out why I was hiding from her.

Hubby came home, called out apparently, I don’t remember hearing him. The kids came back with the friends to say goodbye to her. All these people and no-one could see me!

Finally I was spotted under the tank, passed out. Many hands tried to get me out and walking. I couldn’t weight bear.

Ambulance was called, I refused to leave until she had been “dropped” In other words killed.

All was organized. All was done, I could leave, knowing that I had done the best thing I could in the circumstances. I could not leave her to suffer and I refused to leave my friend of 20 years in agony whilst I was tended.

RIP – Garrisson Three Bells (Char) – I knew you and loved you for 20 years.

See tomorrows post for the continuing story........................

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

Social Media and the Personal Attacks (Trolling)

Some people call them trolls, some people call them sick. I call them people who are bored with nothing better to do.

Often their claim to fame as having completed a BA (bugger all) in something that is really nothing, in that it hasn’t gained them useful employment. They are angry that this is the case and blame everyone around them.

They think they are better than everyone else on the planet.

They believe it is their god-given right to attack people who disagree with them, people who have opinions are considered dangerous as they can see through the garbage the attacker is spouting.

The attacker will claim they are being victimised, they will claim they are the one being hard done by. Yet they fail to see that they caused the problems in the first place.

People who attack via social media – I consider them to be psychopathic with regards to real world behaviour, so much so that they have often isolated themselves behind a computer with little thought for the outside world.

Many people say ‘don’t feed the trolls’ this in essence is difficult because as the name suggests – they are ugly creatures and even if you don’t offer food (responding) they will find crumbs to feed off (another topic)

Some people claim that opening up and removing the anonymous nature of forums, twitter etc. will remove the threat of trolls.

I have personally experienced a personal attack, the nature to this day, still can’t be disclosed, but the reprisal was the publishing of all my personal information, phone numbers, email accounts, residential address, all in one location. In a forum that is not your average ‘nice’ guys forum.

Trolling or personal attacks whatever you may call them are vicious, uncalled for and people who instigate such attacks, should be sanctioned and possible removed from the media they offend in.

Until laws in the real world catch up with those on the internet, it will be hard to police, but perhaps the medium being used, needs to address and enforce their own rules BEFORE they become liable under current laws.

Trolls, think before you leap – with the court ordered disclosure against Google of information, anonymous is no longer as hidden as you think.

Liar Liar Pants on Fire

I don’t like liars, I don’t like people who lie for personal advancement, I don’t like people who lie to get something over someone else, or lie for money.

I have experienced all the above and it is rare for these people not to get caught out in the long run.

Some people call it justice, some people call it truth. I call it karma.

I have come to believe in karma in a big way.

I believe in a life that let’s me lie straight in bed. If the decision you make is from the heart – then you have made the right decision.

I’ve seen people cornered by their lies and I have no sympathy. Perhaps I am too hard on them – but they lied they can deal with the consequences.

I’ve seen people who try to buy their way into the good books, by involving themselves in charity donations and similar – but this doesn’t satisfy karma.

Karma demands honesty, karma demands clarity, karma demands a clean heart and conscience.

If you lie and think it is okay. Think again. You have to live your life and the older you get, the harder it gets.

Although Karma is central to the Buddhism and Hinduism religions, that doesn’t make it exclusive to those religions. It is something that can be followed by anyone, without participating in religion itself.

Stay true to yourself and you will be surprised at the peace of mind that follows.

Kids and Discipline

I love my children, I would like to think they are the best out there – we all want to think that – we all wish for that.

The difference between my children and the next is often only in the beholders eyes.

I would like to think my children are perfect, but in my heart I know they are not.

I would like to think my children can do no wrong – but that is not possible

Every child and every adult on this planet has faults, that is human nature.

Often I find that children that are classified as troublemakers or similar, aren’t necessarily bad at heart, they are just confused. They receive mixed messages from home, from school from someone they look up to.

One of the worst things a parent can do is contradict the school and the teachers. An example of this was a child that didn’t wear his blazer, school policy requires that he wear a blazer, when in school uniform off the premises. That was a condition of attending the school. The child was subsequently caught NOT wearing said blazer and received a detention. The parent decided that it was only a small ‘infringement’ and the child shouldn’t have to do the detention. This causes two problems. The first being that school knows nothing and rule breaking is no big deal, the second is that the parent shows the child that rules can be broken and it’s okay.

I disagree completely with this attitude, if my child decided not to wear his blazer (different school, same policy) I have asked him to consider how he is getting home after the detention (we live 25km from the school and 7km from public transport). My thoughts being that if he chooses to break the rules, he can sort out the consequences and repercussions of such behavior. 12 months in and still no detention for not wearing his blazer, which indicates one of two things, either he is wearing his blazer OR he hasn’t been caught yet.

Another example, was my darling daughter, you have met her before, was caught wagging, she received 3 lunchtime detentions and I had to sign a note indicating that I was aware of this. I signed the note and then added please double said punishment. Didn’t hear anything back from the teacher, but my daughter in the 3 years since has never been caught wagging again, so once again I can only assume that either she hasn’t been wagging OR she hasn’t been caught.

Children need boundaries, they also need to be able explore their environments and be able to suffer the consequences (as long as those consequences won’t harm them) as often as possible.

I have blogged about bits and pieces of this previously – here are some examples:-
I hope this will save my daughter’s life sometime in the future – a little pain now – might save a lot of pain later on:- Children, Roos, Seatbelts and Windscreens - Childrens, Roos, Seatbelts and Windscreens

I hope this shows my children that yes I can be hard, but there is a reason for being so and sometimes, you think life is pretty hard, well this shows that you have it pretty good by comparison:- Kids and Life

Waiting

(Reposted from other Blog)

Waiting – it is something we do every day. Sometimes for big things, sometimes for small things.

Some people are excited when they wait – they are waiting for the birth of a child, notice that they have been successful with the job application. This type of waiting we love.

Some people are sad when they wait – they are waiting for the time to say goodbye to a loved one, be it human or animal. – This type of waiting we all wish we didn’t have to endure

Some people are anxious when they wait – they are waiting to see how they went in the school exams, they are waiting for test results from a medical test. – This type of waiting we all endure and we rejoice when the news is good and cry when the news is bad.

Some people wait for the pain to go – sometimes this pain is physical sometimes this pain is mental. Physical pain will almost always go away either with time or medication. Mental pain is something that has to be dealt with on a personal level and some people never recover.

Today I am waiting – I am waiting for the pain to be alleviated with medication. I am lucky – my pain can be eased, sometimes even removed, albeit temporarily.

You know somebody in every category from the above. If someone is suffering and it doesn’t matter which type of pain. Say "Are you okay?". It’s three words, they don't cost anything and many people in their rush to get to work, or home or to that very important dinner date, forget the value of the spoken word. It doesn’t cost a cent and yet means so much more.

Social Security

I have not dealt with social security for 10 years, maybe longer for the simple reason that the last time I walked in the door - they treated me like s*** and I refused to allow myself to be placed in the same position ever again.

Well, today after 10years I decided stuff it, I watch everyone else reap the rewards of being government loving leeches, so why can't I?

I walk in the door, wait in line, like a good little leech. Reach the desk only to be told by "J" that I have to apply online. Keeping in mind I am not on their lists, I have no participated in the leeching from the government for 10 years, even though I have 2 children and our household some years has managed to survive on as little as $30k a year and still manage to pay off a mortgage and put petrol in the car. (Still haven't figured out how we did it)

Anyway, walked out of said office with a throw over my shoulder of "No wonder, I swore I would never come in here, it's only for losers, suckers and leeches" - God knows why - I think I let my temper get the best of me :(

I get home and figure stuff it - I want my little bit of leeching, same as everyone else, hell I haven't leeched for 10 years, so now I will.

I ring the help line..... and low and behold get a very nice lady by the name of "A" to whom I explained the scenario and she walked me though the entire process and apologised for "J's" rudeness.

Tomorrow's task shall be the online application of what "A" has taught me and perhaps finding the number for complaints for poor customer service. I am sure the Government would like to know that their service to the leeches sucks .