When we were in Sydney last week Derek and I were eating a meal when he started to stare quizzically at my chin. His eyes narrowed and his hand reached out as he went to wipe something away, but then quickly retracted when he realised it wasn't food on my chin at all, but a patch of deep fried hair sprouting along my beard line.
He laughed nervously and said "I think you need to shave".
I laughed nervously and said "no sex for you!"
Today I am going to spend some time in the solitude of my car. I am not going to go anywhere. I'm just gonna sit in my driveway with a pair of tweezers and pluck every one of those rogue bastards out of my chin in the clear sunlit reflection that only a rear view mirror can give.
What are you up to?
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Day 723
Enough of this lunar bullshit. We've done enough star gazing for one week. Let's go to the movies ...
I went for my annual trip to the chick flicks last night with a few friends to see Crazy Stupid Love with Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Marissa Tomei, Kevin Bacon, Emma Stone. It was one of those Girls Night In to raise money for breast cancer. Only it wasn't exactly a Girls Night In because we went to one of those big fancy Dendy theatres in the city and got to eat choc tops and we got a bag of free stuff like make-up and vouchers and other little bits and bobs in a sponsors bag. It was a good night and a great movie.
It was hysterical! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me smile, it made me wince, I felt embarrassed, I felt relieved, I felt sad, I felt happy, I was proud, I was annoyed. It pretty much ticked all the boxes of a great chick flick.
My new crush is Ryan Gosling. When he took off his shirt I was like "That's it!!!" All my other 'freebies' went straight out the window and have now been replaced by the lovely Ryan.
The story line follows Steve Carell's character as he faces divorce from his childhood sweetheart. We watch him go through a bit of a make over and resulting confidence boost including a few flings, but of course his heart is still with his wife. It's one of those movies where we follow a few different characters - the husband, the wife, her lover, the kids, the babysitter, the teacher, the lawyer, the "image consultant" - having no clue as to the links until towards the end when it all comes together in one hilarious twist.
If you get a chance to see it I highly recommend it!
Happy Thursday y'all!!
Now let's take some time to stop and stare at Ryan .....
I went for my annual trip to the chick flicks last night with a few friends to see Crazy Stupid Love with Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Marissa Tomei, Kevin Bacon, Emma Stone. It was one of those Girls Night In to raise money for breast cancer. Only it wasn't exactly a Girls Night In because we went to one of those big fancy Dendy theatres in the city and got to eat choc tops and we got a bag of free stuff like make-up and vouchers and other little bits and bobs in a sponsors bag. It was a good night and a great movie.
It was hysterical! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me smile, it made me wince, I felt embarrassed, I felt relieved, I felt sad, I felt happy, I was proud, I was annoyed. It pretty much ticked all the boxes of a great chick flick.
My new crush is Ryan Gosling. When he took off his shirt I was like "That's it!!!" All my other 'freebies' went straight out the window and have now been replaced by the lovely Ryan.
The story line follows Steve Carell's character as he faces divorce from his childhood sweetheart. We watch him go through a bit of a make over and resulting confidence boost including a few flings, but of course his heart is still with his wife. It's one of those movies where we follow a few different characters - the husband, the wife, her lover, the kids, the babysitter, the teacher, the lawyer, the "image consultant" - having no clue as to the links until towards the end when it all comes together in one hilarious twist.
If you get a chance to see it I highly recommend it!
Happy Thursday y'all!!
Now let's take some time to stop and stare at Ryan .....
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Day 722
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll end up among the stars." Les Brown
So yesterday I got all lunar on you. It occurred to me after I wrote the post and went in for a re-read that the guy who read my palm the other week said that I was very lunar and that the moon impacted me in many ways. At the time I was thinking "yeah, whenever there is a full moon I get a migraine". But he then clarified it and said that the moon draws me to the water, at which point I was like "yeah, that's right! Every one of my "Yes I Can" series of books was written by the sea." Well, all except one. But now I can also see correlations with my lunar mindset which I wrote about yesterday.
Hmmm.
Isn't that interesting! I should have picked it up earlier given my tattoo. I have a moon and three stars on my foot. The tattoo reflects that Les Brown quote above.
And here's another Les Brown quote that I like:
"People don't fail because they aim too high and miss, but because they aim to low and hit."
Yep, forget breaking through that glass ceiling .... need more aiming for the moon.
But if we all started aiming for the moon and actually landing on it, wouldn't it become a bit crowded? Especially in those enormous fat suits. Hmmmmm. Interesting.
Hope you all have an out of this world day!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Day 721
"If you're going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big." - Donald Trump.
My sentiments exactly Don. My sentiments exactly.
None of this half arsed bullshit. Aim for the moon people!
I don't know if you've noticed or not but I'm one of these people who stare at the moon a lot. I look at it and hold out my arm to touch it. It doesn't look that far away. Surely I can get there?
I think it will take a bit more than a rocket made from a cardboard box. There needs to be a strong jet propelled vessel with guided energy, but it is possible. We know that .... we've seen it happen before. It also doesn't happen over night. It takes a long time to get to the moon, or does it?
Well let's see. The moon is 380,000 km away. So it's a bit further than Sydney, or Brisbane, or Hawaii, or New York. The distance between me (in Canberra, Australia) and New York City right now is 16, 233. Interestingly enough London is only a couple of hundred kilometres further than NYC coming in at 16,978 - that's flying in the opposite direction to the NYC flight. How do I know? I use this trusty calculator thingimo at www.timeanddate.com. Anyway, the point of that is that the moon is a lot further away.
There are different ways to get to the moon. There is the slow way, the medium way, a fairly quick way and a bloody speedy way that leaves the moon in its dust. For example, according to UniversityToday.com the slowest mission to fly to the Moon was actually one of the most advanced technologies to be sent into space. The ESA SMART-1 lunar probe was launched on September 27th 2003 and used a revolutionary ion engine to propel it to the Moon. It was very fuel efficient but took a year and a month to get there. The SMART mission is an oddity as it is by far the longest mission to the Moon, the rest of the missions took a matter of days to reach lunar orbit.
China’s Chang’e-1 mission took five days to cover the distance, using its rocket boosters. Ah yes, those rocket boosters work wonders. Interestingly enough, manned missions do it so much faster. The ones where someone is actually there driving the thing. The Apollo 11 astronauts reached lunar orbit after only three days in space on July 19th 1969.
By far the fastest mission to fly past the Moon was NASA’s New Horizons Pluto mission. This mission had rockets powering the probe to over 58,000 km/hr to give it a good start . Although this seems impressive, it’s important to note that New Horizons was not slowing down to enter lunar orbit (like the Moon-specific missions above), it was still accelerating as the Moon was a mere dot in its rear view window. There was no time to smell the roses, take in the view or marvel at the goal it was trying to achieve in the first place. Still, it took eight hours and thirty-five minutes to cover the 380,000 km distance.
So the point of this post is to say that I wanna go to the moon. I've been aiming for it long enough and now I want to see it. You're probably thinking that since my first book has been published that I must have made it? Well no actually. My first book is a star, for sure (proving that if you aim for the moon at the very least you will end up among the stars), but my moon has my series of books all over the world, including in schools and communities where more disadvantaged kids may be struggling with their own sense of self worth. My moon has my books helping children with special needs, children with little or no money, clothes or food, children with learning challenges, children who may lack love. Kids who just need someone to say to them "you are powerful, you are worth it". That's my moon. One book is great! It's awesome, it's worth celebrating and I am grateful. But it's not my moon.
At the moment I feel like I have been flying in that fuel efficient energy saver version. But I'm ready to take the manned mission approach. I'm ready to get on board Apollo, take the controls, drive the thing and head directly towards that big ol pie in the sky and savour the view as I arrive. I may need some guidance though. And a few rockets.
What about you?
What is your moon?
Does anyone know a good astronaut?
Calling Richard Branson! Richard Branson, Richard Branson, Richard Branson. Are you out there? Oh Richard, Richard, where for art thou Richard? I'd like to go to the moon ....
My sentiments exactly Don. My sentiments exactly.
None of this half arsed bullshit. Aim for the moon people!
 |
| Picture Source |
I don't know if you've noticed or not but I'm one of these people who stare at the moon a lot. I look at it and hold out my arm to touch it. It doesn't look that far away. Surely I can get there?
I think it will take a bit more than a rocket made from a cardboard box. There needs to be a strong jet propelled vessel with guided energy, but it is possible. We know that .... we've seen it happen before. It also doesn't happen over night. It takes a long time to get to the moon, or does it?
Well let's see. The moon is 380,000 km away. So it's a bit further than Sydney, or Brisbane, or Hawaii, or New York. The distance between me (in Canberra, Australia) and New York City right now is 16, 233. Interestingly enough London is only a couple of hundred kilometres further than NYC coming in at 16,978 - that's flying in the opposite direction to the NYC flight. How do I know? I use this trusty calculator thingimo at www.timeanddate.com. Anyway, the point of that is that the moon is a lot further away.
There are different ways to get to the moon. There is the slow way, the medium way, a fairly quick way and a bloody speedy way that leaves the moon in its dust. For example, according to UniversityToday.com the slowest mission to fly to the Moon was actually one of the most advanced technologies to be sent into space. The ESA SMART-1 lunar probe was launched on September 27th 2003 and used a revolutionary ion engine to propel it to the Moon. It was very fuel efficient but took a year and a month to get there. The SMART mission is an oddity as it is by far the longest mission to the Moon, the rest of the missions took a matter of days to reach lunar orbit.
China’s Chang’e-1 mission took five days to cover the distance, using its rocket boosters. Ah yes, those rocket boosters work wonders. Interestingly enough, manned missions do it so much faster. The ones where someone is actually there driving the thing. The Apollo 11 astronauts reached lunar orbit after only three days in space on July 19th 1969.
By far the fastest mission to fly past the Moon was NASA’s New Horizons Pluto mission. This mission had rockets powering the probe to over 58,000 km/hr to give it a good start . Although this seems impressive, it’s important to note that New Horizons was not slowing down to enter lunar orbit (like the Moon-specific missions above), it was still accelerating as the Moon was a mere dot in its rear view window. There was no time to smell the roses, take in the view or marvel at the goal it was trying to achieve in the first place. Still, it took eight hours and thirty-five minutes to cover the 380,000 km distance.
So the point of this post is to say that I wanna go to the moon. I've been aiming for it long enough and now I want to see it. You're probably thinking that since my first book has been published that I must have made it? Well no actually. My first book is a star, for sure (proving that if you aim for the moon at the very least you will end up among the stars), but my moon has my series of books all over the world, including in schools and communities where more disadvantaged kids may be struggling with their own sense of self worth. My moon has my books helping children with special needs, children with little or no money, clothes or food, children with learning challenges, children who may lack love. Kids who just need someone to say to them "you are powerful, you are worth it". That's my moon. One book is great! It's awesome, it's worth celebrating and I am grateful. But it's not my moon.
At the moment I feel like I have been flying in that fuel efficient energy saver version. But I'm ready to take the manned mission approach. I'm ready to get on board Apollo, take the controls, drive the thing and head directly towards that big ol pie in the sky and savour the view as I arrive. I may need some guidance though. And a few rockets.
What about you?
What is your moon?
Does anyone know a good astronaut?
Calling Richard Branson! Richard Branson, Richard Branson, Richard Branson. Are you out there? Oh Richard, Richard, where for art thou Richard? I'd like to go to the moon ....
Monday, September 26, 2011
Day 720
Another Monday and still no guest star. Bugger. I meant to organise it ... I have three guests in waiting ... maybe even four ... but I just haven't done anything about it. So sorry.
Anyway, it's Monday, and we all know how much I love Monday's!!
Today as I recover from yesterday's cheer comp I also spend the day marketing my book. My wonderful Mum has come by to help out which is a huge bonus.
Today I also prepare for the Australian All Star Cheerleading Nationals. After yesterday's fantastic ACT State event it's time to choreograph new routines for the 20 kids who are heading to Brisbane in November. It's going to be an intensive two months in the lead up to the big event.
Today I also take in cupcakes to the school for Magic Girls birthday celebrations. Luckily I had my act together somewhat on Saturday and baked them then, and iced them this morning. Phew!!
Oh, and I am supposed to be calling someone about a conference? A chance to speak or something. Must remember to do that.
Oh crap, and I have a meeting to organise with the local child safety authority with that other project ...
Oh ... man ... and I have a marketing campaign to outline for another mob ....
Yep, busy day. Busy busy day.
Better get to it!
Oh, before I go, our little girl had a ball on her birthday yesterday. Not only did she get spoiled by her team mates with cupcakes and high fives and loads of attention, but she also had her birthday announced on the loud speaker with a big bunch of balloons brought in by Daddy and a 400+ crowd singing happy birthday. It was cheerific! Her team did a great job at the comp too which was a bonus. Thirds in cheer, poms and group stunt. Woot woot!!
Happy Monday everyone. Cheers to a great week!
Anyway, it's Monday, and we all know how much I love Monday's!!
Today as I recover from yesterday's cheer comp I also spend the day marketing my book. My wonderful Mum has come by to help out which is a huge bonus.
Today I also prepare for the Australian All Star Cheerleading Nationals. After yesterday's fantastic ACT State event it's time to choreograph new routines for the 20 kids who are heading to Brisbane in November. It's going to be an intensive two months in the lead up to the big event.
Today I also take in cupcakes to the school for Magic Girls birthday celebrations. Luckily I had my act together somewhat on Saturday and baked them then, and iced them this morning. Phew!!
Oh, and I am supposed to be calling someone about a conference? A chance to speak or something. Must remember to do that.
Oh crap, and I have a meeting to organise with the local child safety authority with that other project ...
Oh ... man ... and I have a marketing campaign to outline for another mob ....
Yep, busy day. Busy busy day.
Better get to it!
Oh, before I go, our little girl had a ball on her birthday yesterday. Not only did she get spoiled by her team mates with cupcakes and high fives and loads of attention, but she also had her birthday announced on the loud speaker with a big bunch of balloons brought in by Daddy and a 400+ crowd singing happy birthday. It was cheerific! Her team did a great job at the comp too which was a bonus. Thirds in cheer, poms and group stunt. Woot woot!!
Happy Monday everyone. Cheers to a great week!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Day 719
Oh migraine, migraine, why do you hurt me so?
I am loaded with painkillers. My face looks like a swollen bowling ball. I am coaching at the Australian All Star ACT State Championships today and migraine is not a handy ally. Boomerang Jane said yesterday "Hope your migraine goes away before cheer comp. I'd imagine it would be akin to having the hangover from hell and having to host the loudest kids party ever if things don't improve. " She's spot on. Cheer comps are high energy, full of spirit, loads ofcheering yelling, music at decibels that would make AC/DC proud and with a need for coaches to be on the ball in case stunts go pear shaped. There is no place for migraine at a cheer comp.
Meditation Medication anyone?
Anyway, no time to sit around feeling miserable. Got to put my cheer face on and get jiggy with it. Plus it is my beautiful Magic Girls birthday today.
Yep. The original "cheer chick" is turning 12 and what better day to do it than at the ACT State Championships. If it wasn't for Tahlia's desire to be a cheerleader this cheer squad would never have been formed. As 80+ kids go out there and perform today in our school colours Miss Tahlia and I can sit back and be proud of all that we have achieved. We are almost at the end of an era. This is our last year with this squad. As Tahlia moves to high school next year I will be handing the reigns of this primary school squad to the other very talented coaches and moving to a new team with my Magic Girl. Today's comp is pretty significant in that regards.
Happy Sunday everyone. I hope yours is full of magic, spirit, and cheer (and headache free).
I am loaded with painkillers. My face looks like a swollen bowling ball. I am coaching at the Australian All Star ACT State Championships today and migraine is not a handy ally. Boomerang Jane said yesterday "Hope your migraine goes away before cheer comp. I'd imagine it would be akin to having the hangover from hell and having to host the loudest kids party ever if things don't improve. " She's spot on. Cheer comps are high energy, full of spirit, loads of
Anyway, no time to sit around feeling miserable. Got to put my cheer face on and get jiggy with it. Plus it is my beautiful Magic Girls birthday today.
Yep. The original "cheer chick" is turning 12 and what better day to do it than at the ACT State Championships. If it wasn't for Tahlia's desire to be a cheerleader this cheer squad would never have been formed. As 80+ kids go out there and perform today in our school colours Miss Tahlia and I can sit back and be proud of all that we have achieved. We are almost at the end of an era. This is our last year with this squad. As Tahlia moves to high school next year I will be handing the reigns of this primary school squad to the other very talented coaches and moving to a new team with my Magic Girl. Today's comp is pretty significant in that regards.
Happy Sunday everyone. I hope yours is full of magic, spirit, and cheer (and headache free).
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Day 718
My book is published. And for that I am grateful.
My book is for sale on Amazon. And for that I am grateful.
My book has a Foreword by Johanna Griggs. And for that I am grateful.
My book has been illustrated by a very talented artist, Traci McKay. And for that I am grateful.
My book .... our book .... is published!
Finally.
It is published!!
Woot woot!!!
Ok. So I am officially a published author. And that is one great big HUGE grateful right there.
I am an author. And for that I am grateful.
I am sitting here on this glorious Saturday listening to the birdies sing and watching as the leaves on the trees literally bud right before my eyes. The dawn is turning from black to grey to blue and the daylight brings with it a forest of green outside my windows.
I have a massive headache. I have been fighting it for days, weeks, years. I am in pain through my neck and shoulders and the migraine is now sitting firmly behind my right eye. It's the headache I have to have. I am not sure if this pain is years of expectation, belief, dreams, action all manifesting in an explosion of painful relief, or whether this headache is the "stress" of things to come as I now have to work hard at ensuring momentum with book sales and the continuation of my publishing journey via the printing of my entire series.
This is only the beginning. This is only book one. To fulfill my dream of helping as many children in the world as possible believe in their own power, I need to do a hell of a lot with this one little book to ensure the longevity of its message and the launch of the series.
It's all about the marketing.
While my publisher will be doing stuff at their end, I know that the only way to ensure my success is to take action and lead. So I am going to do my own marketing campaign in addition to them doing theirs. When I went to uni I did a Bachelor of Arts in Office Management and chose an economics major. I failed economics miserably so switched to marketing. Who knew at that time that failing economics was a good thing and that I would be marketing my very own children's book series? Life is interesting, and for that I am grateful.
I have been blogging for 718 days straight. And for that I am grateful.
Throughout those 718 days you have heard me mention my books, and many of you are still here listening today. And for that I am grateful.
If you feel like buying my book, you can do so here. Just click on the book below and it will take you to Amazon. It's a good book. You won't regret it. Plus it's cheap!! (Too cheap). If you feel like buying it I'll be forever grateful.
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| Click on the book to head on over to Amazon. |
For more gratefuls head on over to the queen of grateful, Maxabella and her pal Lioness Lady!!!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Day 717
Happy Friday!!!
Woot Woot.
Gotta love Fridays. Love them almost as much as I love Mondays.
Soooooooo ..... whatchya up to today? This weekend? Anything spesh going on?
As you know Husband and I have spent the week in Sydneyville doing lots of achieving at the National Achievers Congress. We got to have a bit of a listen to the likes of Tony Robbins, Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump. They were all very interesting with Mr Trump surprising me with his humour. He was hysterical - I was absolutely wetting myself!! I didn't necessarily agree with some of the things he had to say, but there is no doubt that the man has charisma. Hair and all. The best part was when he was actually taking the piss out of himself ... and his hair. I may not like some of his philosophies but I sure do admire his balls, determination, humour and his ability to tell a bloody good yarn.
In addition to hearing all about doing good business, we also heard from experts in real estate, stocks and bonds, health professionals, e Bay, tax strategy etc etc. Much of it was over my head but I still took heaps of notes. Much of it also became a bit "infomercial" but if they have something good to sell, then why not I guess. Over the next few weeks I'll share some of the tools I brought home with me to assist with positive forward movement.
Oh, and by the way, my book .... my first book ... the one we've all been waiting for .... well, it just popped up on Amazon! Just now. This morning. Like literally right this second. Holy shit!!!! (It's so freakin' cheap ... it's too cheap ... they're practically giving it away .... plus they only have 2 copies for sale ... what does that mean? Two copies .... there needs to be more than two copies ... and it says it is paperback and it's supposed to be hard cover ... shit ... but that's ok ... my book is for sale on Amazon!! And the other stuff can be fixed up later)
Anyway, go and search for it ... "My Happy Gift" by Leanne Shea Langdown.
Happy, Happy, HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!
Wooooooot wooooooooot.
HOLY SHIT ... my book is for sale on Amazon?!??
Holy shit .....
I think I may be going into shock ....
Woot Woot.
Gotta love Fridays. Love them almost as much as I love Mondays.
Soooooooo ..... whatchya up to today? This weekend? Anything spesh going on?
As you know Husband and I have spent the week in Sydneyville doing lots of achieving at the National Achievers Congress. We got to have a bit of a listen to the likes of Tony Robbins, Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump. They were all very interesting with Mr Trump surprising me with his humour. He was hysterical - I was absolutely wetting myself!! I didn't necessarily agree with some of the things he had to say, but there is no doubt that the man has charisma. Hair and all. The best part was when he was actually taking the piss out of himself ... and his hair. I may not like some of his philosophies but I sure do admire his balls, determination, humour and his ability to tell a bloody good yarn.
In addition to hearing all about doing good business, we also heard from experts in real estate, stocks and bonds, health professionals, e Bay, tax strategy etc etc. Much of it was over my head but I still took heaps of notes. Much of it also became a bit "infomercial" but if they have something good to sell, then why not I guess. Over the next few weeks I'll share some of the tools I brought home with me to assist with positive forward movement.
Oh, and by the way, my book .... my first book ... the one we've all been waiting for .... well, it just popped up on Amazon! Just now. This morning. Like literally right this second. Holy shit!!!! (It's so freakin' cheap ... it's too cheap ... they're practically giving it away .... plus they only have 2 copies for sale ... what does that mean? Two copies .... there needs to be more than two copies ... and it says it is paperback and it's supposed to be hard cover ... shit ... but that's ok ... my book is for sale on Amazon!! And the other stuff can be fixed up later)
Anyway, go and search for it ... "My Happy Gift" by Leanne Shea Langdown.
Happy, Happy, HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!
Wooooooot wooooooooot.
HOLY SHIT ... my book is for sale on Amazon?!??
Holy shit .....
I think I may be going into shock ....
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Day 716
Goodbye Sydney!
Heading back to Canberra this morning in time for some cheer practice at the school at lunch time. Got to make sure our stunt group is strong, steady and set in concrete. Got the ACT All Star championships on Sunday and the stunt group is defending their 2010 State title. Tahlia's shoulder is getting better by the way ... intensive physio ... the bases have also recovered. It's all good.
Off to walk around Darling Harbour again before we head off.
Talk to you in detail tomorrow!
Ciao
Heading back to Canberra this morning in time for some cheer practice at the school at lunch time. Got to make sure our stunt group is strong, steady and set in concrete. Got the ACT All Star championships on Sunday and the stunt group is defending their 2010 State title. Tahlia's shoulder is getting better by the way ... intensive physio ... the bases have also recovered. It's all good.
Off to walk around Darling Harbour again before we head off.
Talk to you in detail tomorrow!
Ciao
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Day 715
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| My view today |
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| How pretty are those gardens! |
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| Off to walk around there right now |
I am sitting here on the 8th floor of the Novotel Rockford in Darling Harbour looking out my window over the beautiful Japanese Gardens with the Sydney skyline behind them.
I love Sydney .... from a distance.
I really really love it ..... from a distance.
Sitting in Darling Harbour makes me swell with pride and appreciation as I see how pretty this city is. From a distance.
But the moment I step foot on the pavement on the other side of Harbour Street and start walking towards George Street my entire energy shifts and migraine starts bouncing around my head. I am far too sensitive to the energies that are trapped in the corridors of cement between all those high rises. There is too much aggression and anger or something. It's just too tense. Or is it actually me that becomes too aggressive, angry and tense? Hmmm. Either way, I don't like it. So I choose not to enter.
Instead I sit back here and marvel at the beauty that is Sydney .... from a distance.
I even slept with the curtains wide open last night so I can watch the city lights. It felt like Christmas. Beautiful.
I'm off for a walk around Darling Harbour. And then I am going to hang with Mr Trump (in a manner of speaking).
Ciao for now!!!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Day 714
I am in Sydneyville completely pumped and ready for more action, action, action.
There's nothing like my annual dose of Anthony Robbins to get me striving for more.
I'm at the National Achiever's Congress getting coached by Tony, Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki. Well, not getting coached personally, it's just me and about 10,000 others ...
But it's good, and it's stuff that real growth is made of. The business advice alone is worth the time I've invested in this conference. Energy is the essence of success (whatever success may look like to each individual) ... and this is definitely high energy!
I'm off to get empowered ...
Happy Tuesday!!!
Don't forget those free Better Homes and Gardens tickets on offer over on the right ....
There's nothing like my annual dose of Anthony Robbins to get me striving for more.
I'm at the National Achiever's Congress getting coached by Tony, Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki. Well, not getting coached personally, it's just me and about 10,000 others ...
But it's good, and it's stuff that real growth is made of. The business advice alone is worth the time I've invested in this conference. Energy is the essence of success (whatever success may look like to each individual) ... and this is definitely high energy!
I'm off to get empowered ...
Happy Tuesday!!!
Don't forget those free Better Homes and Gardens tickets on offer over on the right ....
Monday, September 19, 2011
Day 713
Firstly, before I go any further, I have a WOOT WOOT giveaway. Who would like to attend the Better Homes and Gardens LIVE SHOW out at the Showground at Olympic Park this weekend? I have four tickets to give away valued at $20 each. I will need to express post them to you so entries close tomorrow night (Tuesday 20 September at midnight). All you need to do is comment below and tell me that you'd LOVE them and I'll send them on to you. WOOT WOOT.
******
Now, for the exciting part of the post (not that going to see the lovely Johanna live and in person isn't exciting ... it's just that this bit is SUPER exciting).
While I was in Berry on the weekend I went for a palm reading. I have only ever had one psychic type experience before in my life (many many years ago) so I was kind of excited about the prospect. Before I go any further, I have to explain that I am not all hippy and rainbowy and wand waving, but I don't disbelieve either. I am open to the possibilities.
So I sat down with this man who started by looking at my hands, front and back, and explaining what different finger positions mean, how the hand works, why some fingers curve and bend, the difference between the gaps in fingers etc. He also explained that the lines on your dominant hand (the hand you write with) can change throughout your life as you make certain choices, while the lines on your other hand (your "destiny" hand) do not change. Interesting.
So .... this is what my reading told me:
- the large gap between my little finger and the others shows that I am very independent
- the bow in my little finger says I need to "believe" in something (Yep - believe and you will achieve is my motto for life)
- The fact that my pointer and ring fingers both curve into my middle finger means I often feel "obligated" and that the lines at the tops of the middle three fingers form a "duty cross". This is what causes me conflict as I feel a sense of duty and obligation which conflicts with my independence. He said I need to use that straight middle finger a lot more on its own and say "NO" more often (LOL).
- The fact that my thumbs curl at the ends means I am very giving.
- On the life line of my dominant hand ... the life I do have control over (as opposed to the destiny hand which is 'set in stone') it showed markings along it signifying events in my life. The first being in womb ... showing trauma ... like Mum had stress during my pregnancy (she almost miscarried me and was on medication to stop that from happening). He also noted that I had low self esteem from the ages of 7-16 and that there was a trauma in my life somewhere around the ages of 11-17 (Mum's leukemia).
- The good news is my life line is very long and very strong ... and I am not even half way through it yet! Woot Woot
- My hands show that I have two children of my own which he described as "chalk and cheese" and he also believes I have had a miscarriage at some point that I may not be aware of.
- My hands show I have a strong marriage that will last although it will need some work, and he also knew that I'd had a previous serious relationship which he said I stayed in for too long.
- My hands show that I currently work for myself although he is a little perplexed as he thinks that may change but he can't quite work out why/how because I'm not necessarily going to work for someone else either but I will be bringing in an income
- There are no major concerns with my health although I do need to keep an eye on my gall bladder and be careful of fatty foods.
- I am one of only 20% of the population that has psychic crosses all down both hands which means that I must listen to my intuition because it is more than just a gut feeling I really am tuned into the universe.
- I have spirits around me due to above point but I'm not to worry I only attract good energy so they are friendly and safe spirits and they look after me.
- My destiny hand suggested I was a healer, he wasn't sure in what form, but it may not be in body but a healer of mind.
- He saw that I was working towards something very important to me and that it had been in transition phase for a couple of years. He feels that all will start to come to fruition next March and that by 2014 it will have exploded into something huge and I will have achieved great success.
- He described my dominant hand as "outstanding" and that I was going to be just fine.
So there you have it. As I said way up above, I'm not all wand wavy and voodoo but I am open to the possibilities. I know one thing for sure ... I really believe in what I am doing and the path that I am headed, but a small piece of me did wonder if I was perhaps a bit deluded. Having this reading has just encouraged me to stay focused on my current journey. Whether it's true or not, I'll take it ... I'm going to be just fine.
Have an OUTSTANDING week everyone!
I know I will. I'm off to the Ultimate Success Summit with my man Tony Robbins, Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki.
*****
Don't forget to tell me if you'd like tickets to the LIVE Better Homes and Gardens Show this weekend ...
Don't forget to tell me if you'd like tickets to the LIVE Better Homes and Gardens Show this weekend ...
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Day 712
I had my time away in Berry with a group of girls (and my cousin at the centre) as she celebrated her milestone birthday.
On the drive down I did actually stop to smell some trees, cows and a river.
Once I arrived I got to relax in the most glorious setting. Gardens, grass and a gorgeous home which had a world of travel and family warmth in every room.
Here are a few photos of my weekend. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post which is all about the palm reading I had.
Right now I am off for a day of calisthenics with my gorgeous Tahlia who is only able to participate at part capacity due to that shoulder injury she sustained earlier in the week. But even at part capacity she'll continue to dazzle ... I'm sure of it.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Day 711
During the week we had RUOK Day here in Australia. The very handsome Hugh Jackman was the face of the campaign. (Hey ... did I tell you about the time Hugh was at this party and .... Oh, you know that already?)
I didn't post about it here, but I did acknowledge and encourage participation on my business Facebook Page. It's an important initiative and I was proud of how fellow Aussies embraced it.
Many of us are advocates of RUOK concepts daily. Right here on this blogosphere there is a huge support system that keeps an eye on each other and reaches out to listen in times of need. There are a lot of people around us who really hear and extend a virtual arm to lead people through their fogs.
On Thursday I didn't need reminding to do that, but I was reminded of just how strong my support network is. In both directions. Normally I wouldn't keep a mental check list of all the RUOK's in my day, but on Thursday I did. I had real life contact with two bloggers on Thursday as we checked in on each other, I had Facebook contact with another, I had phone contact with a client who was feeling less than OK, and a conversation with a woman I hardly knew who was feeling quite distressed about an incident. I had three different sets of parents from a cheerleading and calisthenics perspective call me/email me and asked if I was Ok and could they share my load. And of course I had my Mum make contact just to see if I was OK. I also had an overnight email from a fellow author checking in on my publishing journey.
Today I am grateful for my support network. I am pleased there are a lot of people around me that can lead me through the fog when things get murky, and I am pleased I have an inbuilt GPS system so that I can lead them through there's.
Head on over to Maxabella for some more gratefuls on this glorious and very OK Saturday.
I didn't post about it here, but I did acknowledge and encourage participation on my business Facebook Page. It's an important initiative and I was proud of how fellow Aussies embraced it.
Many of us are advocates of RUOK concepts daily. Right here on this blogosphere there is a huge support system that keeps an eye on each other and reaches out to listen in times of need. There are a lot of people around us who really hear and extend a virtual arm to lead people through their fogs.
On Thursday I didn't need reminding to do that, but I was reminded of just how strong my support network is. In both directions. Normally I wouldn't keep a mental check list of all the RUOK's in my day, but on Thursday I did. I had real life contact with two bloggers on Thursday as we checked in on each other, I had Facebook contact with another, I had phone contact with a client who was feeling less than OK, and a conversation with a woman I hardly knew who was feeling quite distressed about an incident. I had three different sets of parents from a cheerleading and calisthenics perspective call me/email me and asked if I was Ok and could they share my load. And of course I had my Mum make contact just to see if I was OK. I also had an overnight email from a fellow author checking in on my publishing journey.
Today I am grateful for my support network. I am pleased there are a lot of people around me that can lead me through the fog when things get murky, and I am pleased I have an inbuilt GPS system so that I can lead them through there's.
Head on over to Maxabella for some more gratefuls on this glorious and very OK Saturday.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Day 710
Today I pack my little overnight bag and head to my cousin's 40th celebrations at a little country/coastal retreat. I'm off to a little place called Berry which is apparently the town of trees.
Yesterday I said I was going to paint my day peaceful and calm and blue and green. I tried to, but I was a bit agitated. Too much to do and all my to-dos kept bouncing around my brain. I rested my body a little, but I wasn't at peace. I was restless.
I'm going to try harder today. If I can't find peace inside my mind at home this morning I will definitely work on finding it as I drive down the Hume Highway this arvo, as I go through Kangaroo Valley and as I drive over a beautiful little scenic mountain with trees that canopy the road.
That drive through Kangaroo Valley brings back beautiful memories. Memories of the week after my wedding when I drove a mini bus full of my American friends around the coast and parts of the NSW countryside as my new husband went back to work and waited patiently for our delayed honeymoon to start. That scenic little mountain I talk about up there .... I got stuck driving the bus up that little hill. It was a bit frightening as we had cars stacked up behind us and I was sweating as I tried to get the bus in gear and not roll backwards. That was 13 years ago. I wonder if that little mountain has changed much. I know I have. I've grown up a lot since then.
My cousin is a beautiful soul and I am looking forward to her little gathering. I am also looking forward to the drive. I might actually stop along the way and smell some roses ... or gum trees .... or cows ... or fudge from the lolly place in Kangaroo Valley ... I'll definitely take photos.
Happy Friday everyone! I hope it brings you peace ....
PS After writing this post I discovered there had been massive explosions in nearby suburb with huge warehouse/chemical fire and I also discovered emergency alert texts on my phone ... and I had slept through it all! And here I was thinking I was a light sleeper ....it was practically next door! So much for that peace ...and smelling roses .... all I can smell now is chemicals and burning rubber ...
See here for link on my local news
Yesterday I said I was going to paint my day peaceful and calm and blue and green. I tried to, but I was a bit agitated. Too much to do and all my to-dos kept bouncing around my brain. I rested my body a little, but I wasn't at peace. I was restless.
I'm going to try harder today. If I can't find peace inside my mind at home this morning I will definitely work on finding it as I drive down the Hume Highway this arvo, as I go through Kangaroo Valley and as I drive over a beautiful little scenic mountain with trees that canopy the road.
That drive through Kangaroo Valley brings back beautiful memories. Memories of the week after my wedding when I drove a mini bus full of my American friends around the coast and parts of the NSW countryside as my new husband went back to work and waited patiently for our delayed honeymoon to start. That scenic little mountain I talk about up there .... I got stuck driving the bus up that little hill. It was a bit frightening as we had cars stacked up behind us and I was sweating as I tried to get the bus in gear and not roll backwards. That was 13 years ago. I wonder if that little mountain has changed much. I know I have. I've grown up a lot since then.
My cousin is a beautiful soul and I am looking forward to her little gathering. I am also looking forward to the drive. I might actually stop along the way and smell some roses ... or gum trees .... or cows ... or fudge from the lolly place in Kangaroo Valley ... I'll definitely take photos.
Happy Friday everyone! I hope it brings you peace ....
PS After writing this post I discovered there had been massive explosions in nearby suburb with huge warehouse/chemical fire and I also discovered emergency alert texts on my phone ... and I had slept through it all! And here I was thinking I was a light sleeper ....it was practically next door! So much for that peace ...and smelling roses .... all I can smell now is chemicals and burning rubber ...
See here for link on my local news
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Day 709
I'm feeling a bit blank. I've got nothing. Zip. Zero. Naught. I'm void. Completely and utterly blank. Which would be good if I was a fresh new canvass waiting to be painted, but kinda sucks when I'm a walking talking human being who needs some mojo.
If I was actually a blank canvass what colour would I hope to be today? Hmmm. In my mind right now I see peaceful colours. Blues, greens, soft natural colours. If I was a blank canvass I would hope for a picture that was restful, calm and nurturing. I see a lady in softly draped clothes laying sideways on a love seat surrounded by flowers and birds. Yeah, if I was a blank canvass that's what I would hope for myself today.
Hang on a minute! I am a blank canvass.
Given I am feeling blank I might as well create my own day! And that's the day I'm gonna have. Cancel everything. Forget business. Forget cheer. Forget writing books. Forget it all. Well ... not all of it .... I have two littlies who need my attention today, but I can work around that. Today (with them in tow) I will have a soft and gentle day, in comfy clothes, with fresh flowery outside air, tweeting birds and the occasional rest on the couch.
Huh. Imagine that .... imagine it being that simple ....
If I was actually a blank canvass what colour would I hope to be today? Hmmm. In my mind right now I see peaceful colours. Blues, greens, soft natural colours. If I was a blank canvass I would hope for a picture that was restful, calm and nurturing. I see a lady in softly draped clothes laying sideways on a love seat surrounded by flowers and birds. Yeah, if I was a blank canvass that's what I would hope for myself today.
Hang on a minute! I am a blank canvass.
Given I am feeling blank I might as well create my own day! And that's the day I'm gonna have. Cancel everything. Forget business. Forget cheer. Forget writing books. Forget it all. Well ... not all of it .... I have two littlies who need my attention today, but I can work around that. Today (with them in tow) I will have a soft and gentle day, in comfy clothes, with fresh flowery outside air, tweeting birds and the occasional rest on the couch.
Huh. Imagine that .... imagine it being that simple ....
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Day 708
Could you lift your best friend up above your head?
In your mind, go and grab your three best friends, and determine who might be the smallest/lightest and most flexible. Then work out who might be the two strongest or more physically solid of the friendship group. Chances are this is not obvious coz you may all actually be the same size. Stand in a row with the stronger two on the outside, and the smaller one in the middle. Then grab the tallest of your friends and put her behind the smally. If you do happen to have a fourth friend hanging around watching, then stick her at the front of the group.
Now, in your mind, have your two strong friends turn and face the smaller friend. Have the friend who was just hanging around turn and face the group. Now what is going to happen is the two strong friends are going to squat down a bit, put their hands out in front of them (one hand on the other in support) and the tall friend at the back is going to help the small friend jump into your hands with both feet, and then she is going to stand up nice and tall with complete trust as you hoist up your arms to hold her feet at chest/shoulder height. One day you will be expected to actually hold your arms fully extended above your heads so that she is towering above you, but we won't do that today. While this is happening the taller friend at the back is holding onto the fliers legs (reaching as high as she can) and the friend who is just hanging around is watching in case it all comes crashing down and she has to help catch the small friend.
Now, in your mind, as you look at your friends and look at the sizes, dynamics and strength needed, do you reckon this is possible?
This is what I do with my cheerleaders every session. Every session my base girls are expected to lift friends, who are essentially the same size as them, above their heads and keep them safe.
This is a huge ask. And sometimes - whether it be due to tiredness, lack of focus, a wobbly or floppy flier, a wobbly or floppy base, lack of communication or just plain physics - the stunt comes crashing down and all the friends get hurt. Then they look at each other in pain and horror: you dropped me, you kicked me in the head, you punched me in the face, I think you broke my nose. At which point we all need to say sorry to each other, accept responsibility for the role we all played (I say "we" because as a coach I am also responsible) and have a group hug to ensure friendships stay in tact.
Yesterday we had a stack. A huge stack. This group has been working together for two years and actually won with their group stunt at Australian Nationals last year. They have always worked so well together! But as my year 6 team get older, and as their bodies change, as their focus waivers and as their attention span becomes divided between things other than cheer, I am finding the stacks are happening more often. But yesterday's stack was bad. The injuries included cheek bone, nose and shoulder. All requiring first aid attention, all resulting in tears and a shoulder that requires follow up medical advice. It was serious. It is serious ...
That shoulder ... that belongs to my Tahlia. Yesterday I had my coach hat on and got all three of the girls through the fall. Today I have my mummy hat on and I am little bit worried.
As friends we are there for each other to hold each other up and catch each other as we fall. We stunt together all the time metaphorically.
But seriously, could you or I actually hold our best friend above our head in physical terms?
Should I really be expecting these kids to?
With only a week and a half until our state competition which hat should I be wearing for the benefit of the entire team?
In your mind, go and grab your three best friends, and determine who might be the smallest/lightest and most flexible. Then work out who might be the two strongest or more physically solid of the friendship group. Chances are this is not obvious coz you may all actually be the same size. Stand in a row with the stronger two on the outside, and the smaller one in the middle. Then grab the tallest of your friends and put her behind the smally. If you do happen to have a fourth friend hanging around watching, then stick her at the front of the group.
Now, in your mind, have your two strong friends turn and face the smaller friend. Have the friend who was just hanging around turn and face the group. Now what is going to happen is the two strong friends are going to squat down a bit, put their hands out in front of them (one hand on the other in support) and the tall friend at the back is going to help the small friend jump into your hands with both feet, and then she is going to stand up nice and tall with complete trust as you hoist up your arms to hold her feet at chest/shoulder height. One day you will be expected to actually hold your arms fully extended above your heads so that she is towering above you, but we won't do that today. While this is happening the taller friend at the back is holding onto the fliers legs (reaching as high as she can) and the friend who is just hanging around is watching in case it all comes crashing down and she has to help catch the small friend.
Now, in your mind, as you look at your friends and look at the sizes, dynamics and strength needed, do you reckon this is possible?
This is what I do with my cheerleaders every session. Every session my base girls are expected to lift friends, who are essentially the same size as them, above their heads and keep them safe.
This is a huge ask. And sometimes - whether it be due to tiredness, lack of focus, a wobbly or floppy flier, a wobbly or floppy base, lack of communication or just plain physics - the stunt comes crashing down and all the friends get hurt. Then they look at each other in pain and horror: you dropped me, you kicked me in the head, you punched me in the face, I think you broke my nose. At which point we all need to say sorry to each other, accept responsibility for the role we all played (I say "we" because as a coach I am also responsible) and have a group hug to ensure friendships stay in tact.
Yesterday we had a stack. A huge stack. This group has been working together for two years and actually won with their group stunt at Australian Nationals last year. They have always worked so well together! But as my year 6 team get older, and as their bodies change, as their focus waivers and as their attention span becomes divided between things other than cheer, I am finding the stacks are happening more often. But yesterday's stack was bad. The injuries included cheek bone, nose and shoulder. All requiring first aid attention, all resulting in tears and a shoulder that requires follow up medical advice. It was serious. It is serious ...
That shoulder ... that belongs to my Tahlia. Yesterday I had my coach hat on and got all three of the girls through the fall. Today I have my mummy hat on and I am little bit worried.
As friends we are there for each other to hold each other up and catch each other as we fall. We stunt together all the time metaphorically.
But seriously, could you or I actually hold our best friend above our head in physical terms?
Should I really be expecting these kids to?
With only a week and a half until our state competition which hat should I be wearing for the benefit of the entire team?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Day 707
And the winner of the Woot Woot baby give-away is ......
Drum roll please .........
The name drawn out of the hat is ...........
Alicia (entered via email).
Congratulations Alicia!!! Thanks to the people at the Baby and Toddler Show you now have a little environmentally friendly starter kit for that baby of yours which is due in the world soon.
Happy Tuesday everyone.
Hope it's one that makes you go Woot Woot!!
Drum roll please .........
The name drawn out of the hat is ...........
Alicia (entered via email).
Congratulations Alicia!!! Thanks to the people at the Baby and Toddler Show you now have a little environmentally friendly starter kit for that baby of yours which is due in the world soon.
Happy Tuesday everyone.
Hope it's one that makes you go Woot Woot!!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Day 706
Today I am going to cheat.
I did not write the following nor do I know who did! But it came by my email this morning and I had to share it.
So rather than getting a bit of Deep Fried Fruit today, nor a special Guest Star for this Monday (coz again I haven't pulled that finger out of my bum to get it sorted), I'm gonna give you the Aussie God story courtesy of my beautiful cousin. Thanks Stell!
Here is the Australian version of Creation:
In the beginning God created day and night. He created day for footy matches, going to the beach, and BBQ's. He created nights for going prawning, sleeping and going to BBQs, and God saw that it was good.
On the second day God created water for surfing, swimming and BBQs on the beach, and God saw that it was good.
On the third day God created the Earth to bring forth plants to provide malt and yeast for beer and wood for BBQs and God saw that it was good.
On the fourth day God created animals and crustaseans, chops, sausages, steak and prawns for BBQs and God saw that it was good.
On the fifth day God created a Bloke to go to the footy, enjoy the beach, drink the beer, and eat the meat and prawns at BBQs, and God saw that it was good.
On the Sixth Day God saw that the Bloke was lonely and needed someone to go to the footy, surf, drink beer, eat and stand around the barbie with. So God created Mates, and God saw that they were good Blokes, and God saw that it was good.
On the Seventh Day God looked around at the twinkling barbie fires, heard the hiss of opening beer cans and the raucous laughter of all the Blokes. He smelled the aroma of grilled chops and sizzling prawns and God Saw that it was good .. ...
Well.... Almost good.....
He saw that the Blokes were too tired to clean up and needed a rest.
So God created Sheilas to clean the house, to bear children, to wash, to cook and to clean the Barbie, and then God saw that it was not just good.....
It was better than that, it was Bloody Awesome!
IT WAS AUSTRALIA !!!
Happy Monday everyone!
NOTE: No Blokes were harmed in the making of this post ....
I did not write the following nor do I know who did! But it came by my email this morning and I had to share it.
So rather than getting a bit of Deep Fried Fruit today, nor a special Guest Star for this Monday (coz again I haven't pulled that finger out of my bum to get it sorted), I'm gonna give you the Aussie God story courtesy of my beautiful cousin. Thanks Stell!
Here is the Australian version of Creation:
In the beginning God created day and night. He created day for footy matches, going to the beach, and BBQ's. He created nights for going prawning, sleeping and going to BBQs, and God saw that it was good.
On the second day God created water for surfing, swimming and BBQs on the beach, and God saw that it was good.
On the third day God created the Earth to bring forth plants to provide malt and yeast for beer and wood for BBQs and God saw that it was good.
On the fourth day God created animals and crustaseans, chops, sausages, steak and prawns for BBQs and God saw that it was good.
On the fifth day God created a Bloke to go to the footy, enjoy the beach, drink the beer, and eat the meat and prawns at BBQs, and God saw that it was good.
On the Sixth Day God saw that the Bloke was lonely and needed someone to go to the footy, surf, drink beer, eat and stand around the barbie with. So God created Mates, and God saw that they were good Blokes, and God saw that it was good.
On the Seventh Day God looked around at the twinkling barbie fires, heard the hiss of opening beer cans and the raucous laughter of all the Blokes. He smelled the aroma of grilled chops and sizzling prawns and God Saw that it was good .. ...
Well.... Almost good.....
He saw that the Blokes were too tired to clean up and needed a rest.
So God created Sheilas to clean the house, to bear children, to wash, to cook and to clean the Barbie, and then God saw that it was not just good.....
IT WAS AUSTRALIA !!!
Happy Monday everyone!
NOTE: No Blokes were harmed in the making of this post ....
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Day 705
 |
| Getting my cow girl on |
"Wakey wakey rise and shine, isn't it a beautiful day!"
That's the text I just sent my daughter - courtesy of my mother having said that to me many mornings for much of my life (which was a nice way to wake up as a child but completely shit me in my late teens).
Tahlia is at her besties on account of the fact Husband and I went to a Cowboy 40th last night and we needed a sitter. But there are no sleep-ins to recover from those C S Cowboys I slammed at the bar. We're on the road to Sydney this morning for NSW State Calisthenics competition and I need to get ready. It's a beautiful day for driving though .... and lucky for me God invented sun glasses to take away that post alcoholic glare.
Happy Sunday everyone!! Oh, and I wanna be a cowgirl ....
Here's a bit of Boys Don't Cry to send you down memory lane (or if you feel like getting your cow girl on)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Day 704
I am up at sparrows fart about to do groceries coz I can't stand doing the supermarket run with the rest of the world in attendance. I plan to be knocking on Woollies door at 7.00am.
That said I am pretty happy to have the finances to actually buy some groceries as it was touch-and-go there for a bit this month. There was a point where we had $30 left to our name! Lucky for us some payments came through. Also lucky for us we can draw down with our bank in case of emergency.
Doing this whole children's book writing thing has actually caused a bit of financial stress in our world. As has the cheerleading caper. Both are done without income in mind, and both take time away from me building up my business (or going back into the rat race), which is putting a bit of a strain on the household budget ... and of course (at times) the husband/wife relationship. But I really feel that it's going to all work out in the end. That the purpose behind both endeavours is far greater than immediate income. Luckily for me, my Husband sees that too (mostly).
So today I want to say thank you to my husband who bears with me as I plod along, and is able to bring in a good income so that I can be a mumpreneur (of sorts) as well as do volunteer stuff, hopefully creating a legacy for my children and loads of other kids around the place in the process. I promise it will all be worthwhile ... and that business and books will take off to a point that money is no longer a worry.
Big statement! It will happen .... I can feel it in my waters ...
Thanks Husband!
If you want to hang out with the happy people then grab some gratitude and head on over to Maxabella Loves and A Day in the Life of Us.
That said I am pretty happy to have the finances to actually buy some groceries as it was touch-and-go there for a bit this month. There was a point where we had $30 left to our name! Lucky for us some payments came through. Also lucky for us we can draw down with our bank in case of emergency.
Doing this whole children's book writing thing has actually caused a bit of financial stress in our world. As has the cheerleading caper. Both are done without income in mind, and both take time away from me building up my business (or going back into the rat race), which is putting a bit of a strain on the household budget ... and of course (at times) the husband/wife relationship. But I really feel that it's going to all work out in the end. That the purpose behind both endeavours is far greater than immediate income. Luckily for me, my Husband sees that too (mostly).
So today I want to say thank you to my husband who bears with me as I plod along, and is able to bring in a good income so that I can be a mumpreneur (of sorts) as well as do volunteer stuff, hopefully creating a legacy for my children and loads of other kids around the place in the process. I promise it will all be worthwhile ... and that business and books will take off to a point that money is no longer a worry.
Big statement! It will happen .... I can feel it in my waters ...
Thanks Husband!
If you want to hang out with the happy people then grab some gratitude and head on over to Maxabella Loves and A Day in the Life of Us.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Day 703
How was your "week that was"??
Success or a great big "bumpbowwww"?
Friday - a look at the week that was:
Monday - escaped to the countryside to write a book. Managed to get 6 glorious chapters done. Also got to spend some time hanging with my folks and walking with the horses.
Monday - returned home in time to collect the kidlets from school, then had a meeting with my fellow cheer coaches as we started choreography for our Nationals team.
Monday - had a very successful cheer session that night with my juniors team where we perfected their cheer and poms routines in readiness for the upcoming ACT State Championships.
Tuesday - spent the morning in my home office working on some business development strategies for one of my projects and wrote a children's book/educational resource for our child safety strategy.
Tuesday - had a final session with a client and celebrated with her as we looked at all she has accomplished in the last few months.
Tuesday - went to the post office and picked up Tahlia's bridesmaids dress which came from overseas in readiness for Chelsea's wedding in a little over four weeks. Bridesmaid's dress is too small!! Won't zip up the back. Bugger. Bugger, bugger, bugger. Shit. Bugger (oh ... I said that already). Oh well, there is a solution in there somewhere ... just need to find it.
Wednesday - spent the morning in the home office working on two separate strategic alliance projects. One with an executive coaching company with whom I am partnering to create coaching strategies for Executive Assistants, the other with a personal trainer and financial wizard who I am partnering with to create a holistic approach to health, fitness, and stress management.
Wednesday - headed across town for a meeting with above mentioned executive coaching company where we mapped out some forward movement. Then came racing back to my side of the world for a meeting with my other partnership which we ended up "postponing" as one partner couldn't make it (grumble, grumble, spit). Spent the afternoon writing a marketing pitch and starting on a conference presentation outline. As luck would have it (or through the power of synchronicity) I received a random phone call handing me all I needed right in my lap!! The networking Gods were very kind ...
Wednesday - picked up a car load of children (mine and another), fed and watered them, then took a couple to calisthenics. While the networking Gods were doing great things, the time-management Gods sent me a frisby which I could have ignored but caught right between my teeth instead, meaning I had to deliver. Yes, as per yesterday's post I took on an extra responsibility. That word "bugger" comes to mind again ... Oh, and speaking of bugger, I contacted Mum for advice and help on what to do with Bridesmaid's dress. No solution yet ... but she's thinking ...
Thursday - got up really early and cleaned my house a little, did some washing, worked in the home office and prepared for some child-care duties. Two little people arrived on my doorstep at 8.00am ready to spend the day.
Thursday - fed them, read to the them, did jigsaw puzzles, played ball, gave them a bottle each and put them to bed for their middle of the day sleeps at which point I got stuck back into my project work including getting some business cards designed, writing a letter and re-doing my "temporary" author website in readiness for my book launch. Oh, and I also managed to get the ball rolling on the calo concert.
Thursday - put business on hold again while I went outside with the little people and we cleaned out the cubby house, wiped down the old toddler slippery dip and brought it out into the open, and played on the trampoline. Did a bit of breathing in crisp spring air and smelling of metaphorical roses in the process. My real ones haven't bloomed yet ...
Friday - what will today bring? Well, I think it will mirror yesterday to be honest. I got up really early again to get some office work done. I will spend the day juggling two little people with home office and (if the rain stays away) will spend more time outside actually breathing. Might even take the little tackers to the local library to choose some new books for our reading session. Oh, and I will be spending some time on my marketing strategy for my first book given I got an email from NYC overnight saying "The release of My Happy Gift should be ready any day now. I will keep you updated on the status". Yay! Oh, and I have allocated an hour in there to coordinate the concert.
Don't forget I have that Woot Woot baby give-away thing going on to celebrate Day 700. Well, I'm not actually giving away a baby, but ... well ... you know. No need to do anything fancy to enter, other than tell me you'd like to be included in the draw.
Happy Friday everyone!
Hope you are able to celebrate the "week that was"
Because it's Friday, you know what that means!! Time to Flog yo Blog!!! Head on over to the wonderful Where's My Glow as she does the whole linky thing. There are some great reads! You'll be pleased you did.
Success or a great big "bumpbowwww"?
Friday - a look at the week that was:
Monday - escaped to the countryside to write a book. Managed to get 6 glorious chapters done. Also got to spend some time hanging with my folks and walking with the horses.
Monday - returned home in time to collect the kidlets from school, then had a meeting with my fellow cheer coaches as we started choreography for our Nationals team.
Monday - had a very successful cheer session that night with my juniors team where we perfected their cheer and poms routines in readiness for the upcoming ACT State Championships.
Tuesday - spent the morning in my home office working on some business development strategies for one of my projects and wrote a children's book/educational resource for our child safety strategy.
Tuesday - had a final session with a client and celebrated with her as we looked at all she has accomplished in the last few months.
Tuesday - went to the post office and picked up Tahlia's bridesmaids dress which came from overseas in readiness for Chelsea's wedding in a little over four weeks. Bridesmaid's dress is too small!! Won't zip up the back. Bugger. Bugger, bugger, bugger. Shit. Bugger (oh ... I said that already). Oh well, there is a solution in there somewhere ... just need to find it.
Wednesday - spent the morning in the home office working on two separate strategic alliance projects. One with an executive coaching company with whom I am partnering to create coaching strategies for Executive Assistants, the other with a personal trainer and financial wizard who I am partnering with to create a holistic approach to health, fitness, and stress management.
Wednesday - headed across town for a meeting with above mentioned executive coaching company where we mapped out some forward movement. Then came racing back to my side of the world for a meeting with my other partnership which we ended up "postponing" as one partner couldn't make it (grumble, grumble, spit). Spent the afternoon writing a marketing pitch and starting on a conference presentation outline. As luck would have it (or through the power of synchronicity) I received a random phone call handing me all I needed right in my lap!! The networking Gods were very kind ...
Wednesday - picked up a car load of children (mine and another), fed and watered them, then took a couple to calisthenics. While the networking Gods were doing great things, the time-management Gods sent me a frisby which I could have ignored but caught right between my teeth instead, meaning I had to deliver. Yes, as per yesterday's post I took on an extra responsibility. That word "bugger" comes to mind again ... Oh, and speaking of bugger, I contacted Mum for advice and help on what to do with Bridesmaid's dress. No solution yet ... but she's thinking ...
Thursday - got up really early and cleaned my house a little, did some washing, worked in the home office and prepared for some child-care duties. Two little people arrived on my doorstep at 8.00am ready to spend the day.
Thursday - fed them, read to the them, did jigsaw puzzles, played ball, gave them a bottle each and put them to bed for their middle of the day sleeps at which point I got stuck back into my project work including getting some business cards designed, writing a letter and re-doing my "temporary" author website in readiness for my book launch. Oh, and I also managed to get the ball rolling on the calo concert.
Thursday - put business on hold again while I went outside with the little people and we cleaned out the cubby house, wiped down the old toddler slippery dip and brought it out into the open, and played on the trampoline. Did a bit of breathing in crisp spring air and smelling of metaphorical roses in the process. My real ones haven't bloomed yet ...
Friday - what will today bring? Well, I think it will mirror yesterday to be honest. I got up really early again to get some office work done. I will spend the day juggling two little people with home office and (if the rain stays away) will spend more time outside actually breathing. Might even take the little tackers to the local library to choose some new books for our reading session. Oh, and I will be spending some time on my marketing strategy for my first book given I got an email from NYC overnight saying "The release of My Happy Gift should be ready any day now. I will keep you updated on the status". Yay! Oh, and I have allocated an hour in there to coordinate the concert.
Don't forget I have that Woot Woot baby give-away thing going on to celebrate Day 700. Well, I'm not actually giving away a baby, but ... well ... you know. No need to do anything fancy to enter, other than tell me you'd like to be included in the draw.
Happy Friday everyone!
Hope you are able to celebrate the "week that was"
Because it's Friday, you know what that means!! Time to Flog yo Blog!!! Head on over to the wonderful Where's My Glow as she does the whole linky thing. There are some great reads! You'll be pleased you did.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Day 702
I do lots of stuff. I help out wherever I can. I wear many many hats and usually I love every minute of it.
But occasionally you can be asked for one more favour, or one more volunteer request and the entire carefully stacked pyramid of projects, time management and output can come crashing down around your ears.
It happens to me sometimes. Simply because I don't seem to have "NO" switch inside me. Oh sure, I'm full of advice for other people in this situation, but don't take any of it myself. I don't think I'm a martyr (am I?) I just kinda think that if you are physically capable of contributing then perhaps you should. Perhaps ...
Yesterday, for example, I was asked to do one more thing. Could I please coordinate the calisthenics concert (like I did last year).
Now I do lots of things but I don't play an active role in calisthenics. Other than the occasional sequining and little jobs on comp days, I basically drop Tahlia off and run. So I know I've gotta do my bit. And if the truth be known, I had been waiting for the request, so I wasn't surprised. The role shouldn't be that strenuous given I put a system in place last year and could use much of the paperwork and signage etc this year.
But the the thing is, it's another "something" I am responsible for. Another project to add to my pile. Something else cluttering my brain. It's another event that I have to pull off over the next two months.
When I was asked I initially blanched a little. I gave all the reasons why this would be so difficult for me right now. Over the next six weeks I have the following:
Sigh.
Where the hell is that "NO" button?!??
What about you?
Do you find it hard to say no?
Where do you sit on this whole "contribution" debate?
But occasionally you can be asked for one more favour, or one more volunteer request and the entire carefully stacked pyramid of projects, time management and output can come crashing down around your ears.
It happens to me sometimes. Simply because I don't seem to have "NO" switch inside me. Oh sure, I'm full of advice for other people in this situation, but don't take any of it myself. I don't think I'm a martyr (am I?) I just kinda think that if you are physically capable of contributing then perhaps you should. Perhaps ...
Yesterday, for example, I was asked to do one more thing. Could I please coordinate the calisthenics concert (like I did last year).
Now I do lots of things but I don't play an active role in calisthenics. Other than the occasional sequining and little jobs on comp days, I basically drop Tahlia off and run. So I know I've gotta do my bit. And if the truth be known, I had been waiting for the request, so I wasn't surprised. The role shouldn't be that strenuous given I put a system in place last year and could use much of the paperwork and signage etc this year.
But the the thing is, it's another "something" I am responsible for. Another project to add to my pile. Something else cluttering my brain. It's another event that I have to pull off over the next two months.
When I was asked I initially blanched a little. I gave all the reasons why this would be so difficult for me right now. Over the next six weeks I have the following:
- five different work projects that I am leading and which require output for the survival of my business
- A book that is about to be released any day
- ACT State Cheer comp to get through and Australian Cheer Nationals routines to choreograph
- My step-daughters wedding
- 2 x 40th birthdays to attend (both out of town) and a 50th
- two calo comps to support
- a three day conference to attend in Sydney
- my daughter's birthday party
And then when that is all done I am coordinating the year 6 party and I am coaching and attending the Cheer Nationals. All of this with a family to look after, work to do, books to write, children to cuddle, parents to see, and a Husband to love. Oh, and did I mention that there is a major wedding in there?!
Excuses, excuses, excuses. As I was saying it all I knew that it wasn't helping get the calisthenics concert off the ground. But what shit me about it was that there are people within the club who do nothing. NOTHING. There are people within the club who do heaps, and then there are people within the club who actually have the luxury of time (don't work, don't have any responsibilities other than themselves and their child) and they don't contribute. That shits me.
But then while I was having a poo bomb explode in my head with associated steam coming out my ears I realised that they may never feel as complete as I do. They may never truly be able to own the feeling of "contribution". Sure I may die from exhaustion and a caved in head in the process, but at least I know that my contribution quadrant of life is full and that I am being a positive role model to my kids by giving back to the people in society who give so much of their time and energy to me and my family. I think contributing is all part of gratitude.
So with that, I can't sit here talking to you anymore. I need to clear the poo stinky from my brain and dig out that paper work from last year's concert and start putting this event together. And if the truth be known, part of me is looking forward to it ...
Sigh.
Where the hell is that "NO" button?!??
What about you?
Do you find it hard to say no?
Where do you sit on this whole "contribution" debate?
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Day 701
So I jumped on my bike yesterday for a very quick ride around the lake before I was due to go to a client, and half way around (as I am powering it out) my entire pedal component falls off. I didn't get hurt or anything. Just picked up the pedal and tried to put it back together but it kept falling off. So then I had to walk home and a quick bike ride turned into a long walk.
After I got home and showered I hopped in the car for the long drive across town. I plugged in Tom Tom and waited not so patiently in the drive-way while some battery power kicked in. Nothing. So I started to drive hoping Tom Tom would fire up in good time. I needed directions. Tom Tom was necessary. I was half way across town before I realised I had to hold the on button down for more than 5 seconds to get him started. Phew. I thought all that I touched was going to poo.
Last night I was cooking dinner. I picked up the lid to my fry pan and it fell on the floor with the knob still in my hands. Just like my bike pedal. There seems to be a few screws loose in my world. Maybe everything I touch does actually turn to poo.
After dinner I sat down to watch the TV and as I scrolled through the channels to find something to watch I discovered that the channel I wanted had nothing but a black screen. The sound was fine, just no picture. Just like Tom Tom "the lights were on but no one was home". Actually, no, that doesn't work. There were no lights, but someone was home.
I walked out the back yard in the dark to put left over vegetable scraps in the bird feeder for the possum. I stepped in something squishy. Yes. Everything I touch does turn to poo.
Here's hoping Wednesday is a "everything I touch turns to gold" kinda day.
After I got home and showered I hopped in the car for the long drive across town. I plugged in Tom Tom and waited not so patiently in the drive-way while some battery power kicked in. Nothing. So I started to drive hoping Tom Tom would fire up in good time. I needed directions. Tom Tom was necessary. I was half way across town before I realised I had to hold the on button down for more than 5 seconds to get him started. Phew. I thought all that I touched was going to poo.
Last night I was cooking dinner. I picked up the lid to my fry pan and it fell on the floor with the knob still in my hands. Just like my bike pedal. There seems to be a few screws loose in my world. Maybe everything I touch does actually turn to poo.
After dinner I sat down to watch the TV and as I scrolled through the channels to find something to watch I discovered that the channel I wanted had nothing but a black screen. The sound was fine, just no picture. Just like Tom Tom "the lights were on but no one was home". Actually, no, that doesn't work. There were no lights, but someone was home.
I walked out the back yard in the dark to put left over vegetable scraps in the bird feeder for the possum. I stepped in something squishy. Yes. Everything I touch does turn to poo.
Here's hoping Wednesday is a "everything I touch turns to gold" kinda day.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Day 700 - Give Away
Can I hear you say Woot Woot!!
Look at that title up there. Day 700! That means I have been writing this diary of a fit, fabulous and slightly fatigued 40 year old for 700 days straight. I have been blogging every single solitary day for 700 days without a break. That means I am 40 years and 700 days old! That means I am not only aging but raving mad. That Day 700 means so many things ....
It also means it's time for a give away. Yesiree. You can't let a milestone like that get away without some major celebration.
What's one of the biggest things we celebrate in our lives?
What one thing brings families together, makes grown men cry and reduces ladies to big piles of loving jelly?
Babies.
My kids are no longer babies, but they will always be my babies.
Do you, or anyone you know, have a brand new baby or have one on the way?
The lovely people from the Baby and Toddler Show sent me a sample bag full of goodies which I am packaging up and offering you today as my Day 700 celebratory give-away. Their next show is in Sydney at the end of the month.
There's environmental friendly nappies, washable breast pads, a car shade, jewelry. All sorts of little things in there that I never knew existed. It's a great little pack for someone with a brand new baby or one on the way.
All you have to do to be in the draw is leave a comment below saying that you'd love a new bundle of baby stuff, or email me using the "e-mail me" button over there on the right, and I will put your name in the hat. The big draw will be made at 6.30am next Tuesday 13 September and results will be revealed on Day 707.
Help me celebrate! Give us a bit of Woot Woot for Day 700.
Yeah baby ....
Monday, September 5, 2011
Day 699
Spring has sprung
the grass has riz
I wonder where
the flowers is!
Ok, ok, so the vocab isn't great but it's a start. But I did find the flowers! They are right outside my window - yellow ones, pink ones, white ones. Wattle, camelias, blossoms.
It's not my window. It's a window I have borrowed for the day.
Yes - I have escaped.
After having a fantastic Fathers' Day weekend that included a soccer BBQ, indoor rock climbing, and co-hosting a cocktail party on Saturday, and an extended family Fathers' Day lunch yesterday, I followed Mum and Dad home to the farm to escape reality for a night and a day. Not that my reality is bad mind you and needs escaping from. Oh no. Not at all. I have a great reality. But the reality is ... that it is reality... and if I am going to get fully into a creative mojo I have to get away from things like email, phone, washing, cleaning, school lunches, clients, kids and husband .... all the distractions (lovely or otherwise) have to go if I am going to write a new book.
So here I am at Mum and Dad's farm looking out over the garden and horses and paddocks and hills from Dad's study as the sun rises and the fog lifts and the birds twitter (and the rain threatens). I am ready to finish book (2) of my new series. I am ready for my main character to leap off the page and grow right in front of my eyes as I pull the metaphorical puppeteer strings and watch her go about her storybook day. Today she is going to face challenges that she can fix herself, and challenges that only a grown up can help with. She is going to journey through a world of kid-nom with hopes and dreams and concerns and worries. She is going to laugh and dance and cry and frown. This little puppet is going to live a month today right here in this house through my fingers. And no phone call or email or chore is going to tear her away from me. Because today I have escaped my life to help her create hers.
Happy Monday everyone!! Can I hear you say "woot woot"?!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Day 698
It's Fathers' Day, and today I would like to tell you a little bit about my Dad.
He's a great Dad, very supportive, mostly patient, very wise and nurturing. I am an only child. Not because my parents only wanted one, but because that is all they managed to produce. Right up until I was 14 I think they were still trying to have more kids, but it just wouldn't happen for them. Then Mum was diagnosed with Leukemia and falling pregnant was out of the question. So that was that. They ended up with little ol' me.
So Dad never got a son, but he did get a daughter who did some boy stuff with him. Like hanging out at the paddock with the cows and horses. I did the whole pony club thing my entire life so we had that in common. We had our horses. But around the time of Mum's diagnosis, I also started to turn into a bit of a girly girl. I mean, I was always a girly girl, but there was a tiny piece of tom boy in there ... if you looked hard enough. Just enough tom boy to become my father's mate. But then I grew my finger nails so helping him fence the paddocks kind of went by the way-side. Didn't want to do anything that would break a nail! (Still don't ...)
Dad worked pretty hard all his life. The day he left school he wandered into the Post Master General's office (Australia Post) and got a job as a postie. Then he left the comfort of his family home and headed for the big smoke to learn how to become a Telecom Technician. He worked for Telecom (PMG) all his life (for 36 years) until he retired early ... around the age of 50. That is when he pottered around doing a bit of full time farming - surrounded by horses and cows up there on the Great Dividing Range. He only sold that property and all the stock last year. It's now him and his horses. Oh, and Mum of course. She's not a cow or a horse ...
Dad's a good dad. Actually, no - he's a GREAT Dad. He's also a very good Poppy. My kids adore him. Sure, he can get a bit impatient and cranky at times, but not in a loud way. Just in a "frustrated" kind of way. I think I get that trait from him. But there's a whole lot more love than there is frustration.
There is one moment forever suspended in time in my mind when it comes to my Dad. It was about 9 years ago. We were sitting on his front veranda looking over the paddocks at the hills in the distance. It was before I fell pregnant with Darby and I was struggling with a few life questions. I felt I needed to go down a different path ... and I was questioning my spirituality in the process. Anyway, I raised this with my father. I said I was confused about God and religion. I acknowledged that there was something greater out there ... maybe God, maybe not ... but there was no doubt there were universal forces. Whatever it was I wanted to work with it, but not have to worship it. Was that wrong? We also talked about other stuff like meditation, astral travelling, migraine auras and the power of the mind, positive thinking etc. It was a long conversation, very deep. I confessed to not praying to God, but rather thinking positively and wanting to work with the universe for a better world. Dad talked about prayer being no different than meditation or a bunch of people thinking positively and wanting the best for the world. There was a whole lot we talked about - I don't remember how it went exactly - but in the end my Dad's advice to me was "whatever you feel, don't question it mate, just go with it". And so I did ...
That is one piece of advice I take with me as I continue on my current journey and today I wanted to share it with you. It's not the only words of wisdom of course ... but it's the one that I carry in my back pocket right now.
Thanks Dad.
Happy Fathers' Day!!
We're all off to have a big Fathers' Day luncheon with both sets of parents, Derek's brother and family and all the kids. It's a lovely day.
What are you up to?
What piece of advice or life lesson did your Dad give you?
He's a great Dad, very supportive, mostly patient, very wise and nurturing. I am an only child. Not because my parents only wanted one, but because that is all they managed to produce. Right up until I was 14 I think they were still trying to have more kids, but it just wouldn't happen for them. Then Mum was diagnosed with Leukemia and falling pregnant was out of the question. So that was that. They ended up with little ol' me.
So Dad never got a son, but he did get a daughter who did some boy stuff with him. Like hanging out at the paddock with the cows and horses. I did the whole pony club thing my entire life so we had that in common. We had our horses. But around the time of Mum's diagnosis, I also started to turn into a bit of a girly girl. I mean, I was always a girly girl, but there was a tiny piece of tom boy in there ... if you looked hard enough. Just enough tom boy to become my father's mate. But then I grew my finger nails so helping him fence the paddocks kind of went by the way-side. Didn't want to do anything that would break a nail! (Still don't ...)
Dad worked pretty hard all his life. The day he left school he wandered into the Post Master General's office (Australia Post) and got a job as a postie. Then he left the comfort of his family home and headed for the big smoke to learn how to become a Telecom Technician. He worked for Telecom (PMG) all his life (for 36 years) until he retired early ... around the age of 50. That is when he pottered around doing a bit of full time farming - surrounded by horses and cows up there on the Great Dividing Range. He only sold that property and all the stock last year. It's now him and his horses. Oh, and Mum of course. She's not a cow or a horse ...
Dad's a good dad. Actually, no - he's a GREAT Dad. He's also a very good Poppy. My kids adore him. Sure, he can get a bit impatient and cranky at times, but not in a loud way. Just in a "frustrated" kind of way. I think I get that trait from him. But there's a whole lot more love than there is frustration.
There is one moment forever suspended in time in my mind when it comes to my Dad. It was about 9 years ago. We were sitting on his front veranda looking over the paddocks at the hills in the distance. It was before I fell pregnant with Darby and I was struggling with a few life questions. I felt I needed to go down a different path ... and I was questioning my spirituality in the process. Anyway, I raised this with my father. I said I was confused about God and religion. I acknowledged that there was something greater out there ... maybe God, maybe not ... but there was no doubt there were universal forces. Whatever it was I wanted to work with it, but not have to worship it. Was that wrong? We also talked about other stuff like meditation, astral travelling, migraine auras and the power of the mind, positive thinking etc. It was a long conversation, very deep. I confessed to not praying to God, but rather thinking positively and wanting to work with the universe for a better world. Dad talked about prayer being no different than meditation or a bunch of people thinking positively and wanting the best for the world. There was a whole lot we talked about - I don't remember how it went exactly - but in the end my Dad's advice to me was "whatever you feel, don't question it mate, just go with it". And so I did ...
That is one piece of advice I take with me as I continue on my current journey and today I wanted to share it with you. It's not the only words of wisdom of course ... but it's the one that I carry in my back pocket right now.
Thanks Dad.
Happy Fathers' Day!!
We're all off to have a big Fathers' Day luncheon with both sets of parents, Derek's brother and family and all the kids. It's a lovely day.
What are you up to?
What piece of advice or life lesson did your Dad give you?
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Day 697
My daughter is 11 going on 12. She is in year 6 at school and very much looking forward to high school next year. She is growing up very fast in both mind and body. Things are changing. I marvel at her growth and await the sudden explosion into fully fledged adolescence. I am proud, and I am scared. It all happens so fast ....
Last night she came to me with a personal question. She framed it as "an embarrassing" question. I said "no need to be embarrassed darling". So she asked, and I answered. Which lead to another question which I answered. And another and another and another. And I answered, and answered, and answered. And once she was satisfied she smiled and skipped off down the hall like any little 11 year old might.
I am feeling nervous about her rapid growth. But I am also very grateful for the mother daughter bond and the open line of communication. I am grateful for having the opportunity to be home for my children before and after school. I am grateful that I can be present in all aspects of my daughters life including sport and school activities. I am grateful for being able to see every change, every spurt, and every milestone. I am grateful that I am here right now watching the magic of a rose bud as it blossoms before my very eyes.
If you'd like to live in the attitude of gratitude then head on over to Maxabella and The Beetle Shack as they spread the joy of happy thanks.
Last night she came to me with a personal question. She framed it as "an embarrassing" question. I said "no need to be embarrassed darling". So she asked, and I answered. Which lead to another question which I answered. And another and another and another. And I answered, and answered, and answered. And once she was satisfied she smiled and skipped off down the hall like any little 11 year old might.
I am feeling nervous about her rapid growth. But I am also very grateful for the mother daughter bond and the open line of communication. I am grateful for having the opportunity to be home for my children before and after school. I am grateful that I can be present in all aspects of my daughters life including sport and school activities. I am grateful for being able to see every change, every spurt, and every milestone. I am grateful that I am here right now watching the magic of a rose bud as it blossoms before my very eyes.
If you'd like to live in the attitude of gratitude then head on over to Maxabella and The Beetle Shack as they spread the joy of happy thanks.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Day 696
I got an email yesterday from the Big Ideas blokes at Virgin.
Remember how I decided I was going to write Mr Branson a business proposal? I was very vague about it ... I didn't tell you much ... other than I had a Big Idea and felt it was perfect for Virgin Airlines and I really wanted Richard to have a look at it. Anyway's it's kinda hard to get to Mr Branson himself so I sent it through the Australian Big Ideas point of contact. And I got an email back from them yesterday ...
Thank you for your proposal and apologies for the delay in getting back to you ... blah, blah, blah ... having to pick those with the greatest possible alignment with our overall strategic goals .... blah blah blah ... unable to take your proposition any further ... will keep your proposal on file for future reference ... all the very best and thank you for thinking of Virgin ... Kind Regards....
It was a very nice email. Positive in its negativity. Very well written in fact. Now the thing is, many people would see that as a NO. But I'm a bit pesky and I think I might keep moving forward with it in any case. Every no is one step closer to a yes ....
Does anyone know how to contact Mr Branson directly?
Remember how I decided I was going to write Mr Branson a business proposal? I was very vague about it ... I didn't tell you much ... other than I had a Big Idea and felt it was perfect for Virgin Airlines and I really wanted Richard to have a look at it. Anyway's it's kinda hard to get to Mr Branson himself so I sent it through the Australian Big Ideas point of contact. And I got an email back from them yesterday ...
Thank you for your proposal and apologies for the delay in getting back to you ... blah, blah, blah ... having to pick those with the greatest possible alignment with our overall strategic goals .... blah blah blah ... unable to take your proposition any further ... will keep your proposal on file for future reference ... all the very best and thank you for thinking of Virgin ... Kind Regards....
It was a very nice email. Positive in its negativity. Very well written in fact. Now the thing is, many people would see that as a NO. But I'm a bit pesky and I think I might keep moving forward with it in any case. Every no is one step closer to a yes ....
Does anyone know how to contact Mr Branson directly?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Day 695
Tickets to give away! $20 in value each ...
Who would have thought this piece of deep fried fruit would be talking about babies. It seems that once again I am surrounded by them! As my first born nears high school age, and my "baby" prepares for the middle years of primary school, I am going back to basics and living in a world of baby-dom. What a shock.
Why?
Well, firstly because I am caring for a toddler and a baby twice a week while their Mum returns to work. So I am doing all things toilet training, nappies, craft, bottles, dummies, toys, porta cots, high chairs, prams and Dora the Explorer. Holy heck.
Secondly because I am working on the Yuk to Kids project which is predominately aimed at under 5s (in the first instance). You can read about that here. And you can also read about it here. We are ensconcing ourselves in information about baby shows, toddler needs, parenting magazines, child safety strategies, baby shops and child health in order to launch the product in the best way possible. So I again I am getting back to baby-dom.
And thirdly because the lovely organisers of the Baby and Toddler show gave me a sample bag full of baby stuff last week which I plan to give away to some lucky bloggy pals in the near future. Right now though I have a handful of tickets to give away for the Brisbane Baby and Toddler show being held this weekend. I can't use them because I am in Canberra-ville, but I wish I could attend. Seeing what is out and about in baby-land right now would be kinda cool, especially as it relates to my temporary role as a daycare mum and for further research and networking as it relates to my role as Business Liaison Officer and part of the business development team for Yuk to Kids. But alas, a quick trip to Bris-vegas is out of the question this weekend.
So who would like some tickets?
Anyone?
All of you?
Some of you?
All you need to do is either email me directly using that "email me" button up there on the left, or you can leave a comment below. Then I will give you the special ticket number with special instructions on what to do on arrival at the gate for your VIP entry.
Happy Thursday everyone!
(I'm off to change a very stinky nappy)
Who would have thought this piece of deep fried fruit would be talking about babies. It seems that once again I am surrounded by them! As my first born nears high school age, and my "baby" prepares for the middle years of primary school, I am going back to basics and living in a world of baby-dom. What a shock.
Why?
Well, firstly because I am caring for a toddler and a baby twice a week while their Mum returns to work. So I am doing all things toilet training, nappies, craft, bottles, dummies, toys, porta cots, high chairs, prams and Dora the Explorer. Holy heck.
Secondly because I am working on the Yuk to Kids project which is predominately aimed at under 5s (in the first instance). You can read about that here. And you can also read about it here. We are ensconcing ourselves in information about baby shows, toddler needs, parenting magazines, child safety strategies, baby shops and child health in order to launch the product in the best way possible. So I again I am getting back to baby-dom.
And thirdly because the lovely organisers of the Baby and Toddler show gave me a sample bag full of baby stuff last week which I plan to give away to some lucky bloggy pals in the near future. Right now though I have a handful of tickets to give away for the Brisbane Baby and Toddler show being held this weekend. I can't use them because I am in Canberra-ville, but I wish I could attend. Seeing what is out and about in baby-land right now would be kinda cool, especially as it relates to my temporary role as a daycare mum and for further research and networking as it relates to my role as Business Liaison Officer and part of the business development team for Yuk to Kids. But alas, a quick trip to Bris-vegas is out of the question this weekend.
So who would like some tickets?
Anyone?
All of you?
Some of you?
All you need to do is either email me directly using that "email me" button up there on the left, or you can leave a comment below. Then I will give you the special ticket number with special instructions on what to do on arrival at the gate for your VIP entry.
Happy Thursday everyone!
(I'm off to change a very stinky nappy)
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