Children have a built in optimism. More often than not. This is gradually eroded over time, and we become either the half full or half empty adults. It's such a waste.
I don't understand why we are born with such great qualities but these get quashed over time. I wish there was some way to get them back.
My daughter had made a Hama bead heart, and I ironed it, but there were two beads in the centre that would not stick together, so it effectively had a hole in the heart. My girl just looks at it and says merrily "It doesn't matter, it still looks a tiny bit great."
We can never be perfect, we can never get all that we desire in life but let's aim for realising what we have and what we do is still a tiny bit great.
Linking up an old post with #Lifethisweek as lockdown seems to have stunted my enthusiasm to write.I also may not be taking the blogging break as I'm no longer away...such is life. Stay safe everyone!
Tuesday, 3 June 2014
Sunday, 1 June 2014
I hate being the new kid...
My youngest started school this year, at a new school. Knowing already how great it can be to have a support network at the school, I set about making friends. I have to race off at pick up so I can't stay and chat. Sometimes it seems very hard to break into conversations. Often, I just play on my phone because I'm not up for it.
Now the fundraiser approached, and we need a table of 10. I put it out in an email to the class, and gradually spots are filling.
I accept that my attitude is part of the problem - I've got my friends, I'm older than everyone, I've got a high school kid and I might just be a little over this school business (shh!). I just hate being the new kid. I hate trying to make friends. You can't help taking on a little rejection, that may not even be there. I hate that awkward outsider feeling. For my youngest, however, it is a task I must take on, whether I want to or not.
Every four years, I organise a sweep for the World Cup, and this morning I sent off the email to my usual crowd I harass for my schemes, and was pondering whether to ask the new school parents too, or whether that would just make me look sad and desperate....I figured I'd see how I was going for numbers and then maybe, casually, mention it to one or two...
I returned home after the 2 drop offs to discover - BAM - all 32 spots taken in less than an hour! In fact, it's over subscribed so I'll need to work something out (After I sent out notice the sweep was closed, I got complaints from people who'd missed out! Never fear, the Dakar is only 7 months away! ). That's what happens when you turn off your phone...it's a crazy hive of activity in the interwebs! A lot of these people have never been in a sweep before, and have no interest in soccer, but they like me, and humour my eccentricities.
How are these two stories connected? This enthusiastic response has worked as a wake up call, that in fact I'm not some lonely, weirdo reject (well, maybe a little, but in a good way that I'm totally comfortable with), I'm just new and I don't know anyone. All of it, of course, is probably my perception.
What I need to do, is remind myself that a lot of the other parents are also feeling that. Maybe their aloofness is to do with them and not me.
I read an article by a woman saying the clique-y mothers were making her kid sad, because her child was being left out. While I hear her pain, at no point did she say she was inviting kids over, or organising a get together. Maybe start by taking those difficult steps yourself. Maybe the 'clique-y' mums won't be interested, but there will be some shy wallflowers who will appreciate it. Maybe the clique really isn't in your head, and they don't like you - but does it matter, if you're making other friends along the way?
And for all my money, I'd rather be known as inclusive than exclusive....
Linking up with The Lounge, on school stories - because in a week I'll be a new kid yet again with a whole new class!
Now the fundraiser approached, and we need a table of 10. I put it out in an email to the class, and gradually spots are filling.
I accept that my attitude is part of the problem - I've got my friends, I'm older than everyone, I've got a high school kid and I might just be a little over this school business (shh!). I just hate being the new kid. I hate trying to make friends. You can't help taking on a little rejection, that may not even be there. I hate that awkward outsider feeling. For my youngest, however, it is a task I must take on, whether I want to or not.
Every four years, I organise a sweep for the World Cup, and this morning I sent off the email to my usual crowd I harass for my schemes, and was pondering whether to ask the new school parents too, or whether that would just make me look sad and desperate....I figured I'd see how I was going for numbers and then maybe, casually, mention it to one or two...
I returned home after the 2 drop offs to discover - BAM - all 32 spots taken in less than an hour! In fact, it's over subscribed so I'll need to work something out (After I sent out notice the sweep was closed, I got complaints from people who'd missed out! Never fear, the Dakar is only 7 months away! ). That's what happens when you turn off your phone...it's a crazy hive of activity in the interwebs! A lot of these people have never been in a sweep before, and have no interest in soccer, but they like me, and humour my eccentricities.
How are these two stories connected? This enthusiastic response has worked as a wake up call, that in fact I'm not some lonely, weirdo reject (well, maybe a little, but in a good way that I'm totally comfortable with), I'm just new and I don't know anyone. All of it, of course, is probably my perception.
What I need to do, is remind myself that a lot of the other parents are also feeling that. Maybe their aloofness is to do with them and not me.
I read an article by a woman saying the clique-y mothers were making her kid sad, because her child was being left out. While I hear her pain, at no point did she say she was inviting kids over, or organising a get together. Maybe start by taking those difficult steps yourself. Maybe the 'clique-y' mums won't be interested, but there will be some shy wallflowers who will appreciate it. Maybe the clique really isn't in your head, and they don't like you - but does it matter, if you're making other friends along the way?
And for all my money, I'd rather be known as inclusive than exclusive....
Linking up with The Lounge, on school stories - because in a week I'll be a new kid yet again with a whole new class!
Wednesday, 28 May 2014
Without a prayer...
With this link up, I had an idea to point out how un-Christian I felt the 2014 Budget was - I was going to change the words to a prayer accordingly. I googled a prayer for the poor, and this is what I found:
Lord, have mercy.
Source
While it's wonderful to ask the Lord for help, I do believe we can start to have a little mercy on them ourselves. I am unsure how the Christian chaplains in schools sits side by side with a budget that neglects the oppressed, unemployed and poor.
However, when I read this, it has stopped me in my tracks. The Liberal Government aims to "Cut $2.5 billion from aged care programs, such as Meals On Wheels." What kind of person cuts the funding from Meals on Wheels? Who doesn't see the value in that programme, run mainly by volunteers? What excuse can you give to yourself to justify the lack of compassion?
I am at a loss with this. This budget appears to be turning it's back on 99% of Australia. It is uncharitable, uncaring and unchristian. It is heartless and self-serving. I don't believe it is in the best interests of the people of this country, despite what Mr Hockey says.
“Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection - or compassionate action.”
― Daniel Goleman, Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships
Mr Hockey & Mr Abbott, consider that quote and please try again. This time, take into account the poor, the elderly, the unemployed and under employed, those with disabilities, those with large families and low incomes, those with medical issues and pretty much everyone on less that $250k.
I'm sure the end goal you desire can come in a less detrimental fashion. When you made that policy poster, you obviously had some plan - stick to that. Your Real Solutions pledged no cuts to Education, no cuts to Health and no changes to pensions or GST. Why don't you come back with the budget that was drafted for the Real Solutions Campaign. There must be some middle ground between the two documents.
Let's hope those chaplains do more than just pray for the Nation. No one sums it up better than Sleeping Beauty in the fabulous Fables series by the incredibly talented Bill Willingham: "Well fuck us, huh? Can I get an "AMEN" on that?"
Linking up with Always Josefa with Conversations over Coffee on prayer, and with some Grace for FYBF.
Prayer for the Poor
For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, have mercy.
Source
While it's wonderful to ask the Lord for help, I do believe we can start to have a little mercy on them ourselves. I am unsure how the Christian chaplains in schools sits side by side with a budget that neglects the oppressed, unemployed and poor.
However, when I read this, it has stopped me in my tracks. The Liberal Government aims to "Cut $2.5 billion from aged care programs, such as Meals On Wheels." What kind of person cuts the funding from Meals on Wheels? Who doesn't see the value in that programme, run mainly by volunteers? What excuse can you give to yourself to justify the lack of compassion?
I am at a loss with this. This budget appears to be turning it's back on 99% of Australia. It is uncharitable, uncaring and unchristian. It is heartless and self-serving. I don't believe it is in the best interests of the people of this country, despite what Mr Hockey says.
“Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection - or compassionate action.”
― Daniel Goleman, Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships
Mr Hockey & Mr Abbott, consider that quote and please try again. This time, take into account the poor, the elderly, the unemployed and under employed, those with disabilities, those with large families and low incomes, those with medical issues and pretty much everyone on less that $250k.
I'm sure the end goal you desire can come in a less detrimental fashion. When you made that policy poster, you obviously had some plan - stick to that. Your Real Solutions pledged no cuts to Education, no cuts to Health and no changes to pensions or GST. Why don't you come back with the budget that was drafted for the Real Solutions Campaign. There must be some middle ground between the two documents.
Let's hope those chaplains do more than just pray for the Nation. No one sums it up better than Sleeping Beauty in the fabulous Fables series by the incredibly talented Bill Willingham: "Well fuck us, huh? Can I get an "AMEN" on that?"
AMEN!
Linking up with Always Josefa with Conversations over Coffee on prayer, and with some Grace for FYBF.
Monday, 26 May 2014
If I could turn back time, if I could find a way...
Now that I've given you all a very nasty earworm, I'll move onto my journey if I could time travel...I would travel back, long, long ago to have a little chat to a man, and try to change the course of human history. That man would be Noah, and the conversation would go a little like this:
Me: Noah, we need to talk. You are about to make a huge mistake. I know you've been charged with a task, but you need to reconsider...maybe "accidently" just leave two creatures off - or even just one creature off really, the female head louse. It's only tiny, it will barely be noticed. And in many centuries to come, I won't spend a good part of my life coming the f%$#ers out, night after night, causing floods of tears that quite possibly will require me to build an ark of my own soon...
Noah [looking doubtful]: Errr...
Me: You know what will happen, if you let them on, they'll be in your hair, then your wife's, then the kids - and you haven't even got one of those fine-toothed, metal combs. You'll just have to itch for forty days and forty nights (or is that Moses?). Anywho, it won't be pretty, but it will be too late!
Noah [nodding pensively]: Hmmm.
Me: And one last thing, don't forget the Unicorns - and don't eat them!
I bet that earworm seems preferable now to the head scratching some of you will be doing at the mere mention of head lice...
Also, if you like time travel movies, and don't mind subtitles, I liked this one: 11 A.M. It's a very simple idea that they let play out. You should be able to get it at the video shop (or wherever you down load movies from if you are younger than my 107 years)
Me: Noah, we need to talk. You are about to make a huge mistake. I know you've been charged with a task, but you need to reconsider...maybe "accidently" just leave two creatures off - or even just one creature off really, the female head louse. It's only tiny, it will barely be noticed. And in many centuries to come, I won't spend a good part of my life coming the f%$#ers out, night after night, causing floods of tears that quite possibly will require me to build an ark of my own soon...
Noah [looking doubtful]: Errr...
Me: You know what will happen, if you let them on, they'll be in your hair, then your wife's, then the kids - and you haven't even got one of those fine-toothed, metal combs. You'll just have to itch for forty days and forty nights (or is that Moses?). Anywho, it won't be pretty, but it will be too late!
Noah [nodding pensively]: Hmmm.
Me: And one last thing, don't forget the Unicorns - and don't eat them!
I bet that earworm seems preferable now to the head scratching some of you will be doing at the mere mention of head lice...
Also, if you like time travel movies, and don't mind subtitles, I liked this one: 11 A.M. It's a very simple idea that they let play out. You should be able to get it at the video shop (or wherever you down load movies from if you are younger than my 107 years)
First of the Month Fiction - June.
Seriously, I am now such an old lady that I can't go a week without saying "Where has this year gone?" Halfway, people!
Quick version - add your story to comments and link your blog. Stories can be 30 words or less OR 100 words exactly.
Mine popped into my head as I discovered yet another bruise on my leg while walking home from school drop off on a lovely sunny day (I have no idea how I get them, I must be so clumsy, I don't even notice - or possibly poor circulation?). As for the rest of it, well, you know I love my action films...
For newcomers, there are examples here.
Linking up with Jess for IBOT.
Quick version - add your story to comments and link your blog. Stories can be 30 words or less OR 100 words exactly.
Mine popped into my head as I discovered yet another bruise on my leg while walking home from school drop off on a lovely sunny day (I have no idea how I get them, I must be so clumsy, I don't even notice - or possibly poor circulation?). As for the rest of it, well, you know I love my action films...
She hadn’t meant to pry.
He’d left his phone at home and the message happened to flash when she’d
picked it up. The lies were clear. The late nights, the ‘conferences’.
A quick look at the credit card statements rang alarm bells.
She knew what he was planning to do.
While weeping in the kitchen, she noticed the knife block. A
plan fell into place.
Last week the tennis ladies hadn’t believed she’d slipped
from the ladder. They exchanged a look, the more she protested.
She could already hear the lawyer convincing her to use the ‘battered
wife syndrome’ defence.
For newcomers, there are examples here.
Linking up with Jess for IBOT.
Thursday, 22 May 2014
I must confess I'm exercising my right to go off topic.
It's that time of year, my facebook feed is a flurry of a 'fun' game to raise awareness. I suspect it's to raise awareness of who has a tattoo and who is getting one, or probably breast cancer, but as I steer clear from these games, they don't make me very aware of anything. In fact, if this is a game for Cystic Fibrosis or Depression or Mental Illness, it's raising even less awareness, because I'm just assuming it's for breast cancer.
I know heaps of people like this game and feel they are doing some good with it. I won't be all Negative Nelly, but can I make a suggestion? When you alter your status to raise awareness, can you at least include a link for people to donate (if you aren't donating yourself) or a link to a blog of someone going through cancer (something that will actually spread a substantial awareness, and maybe help in someone in some more tangible way).
I learnt more from Nick Greiner's candid admission about why he got a mastectomy, than any of the recent facebook status games. I was unaware that men got mastectomies (though I knew they got breast cancer) and I was unaware it started sometimes with bleeding nipples, not the lump that we are taught to look out for. And to any men who read this blog, don't ignore such signs!
You can call me a party pooper, and I know it's just a bit of fun, but I just think there can't be any harm in trying to actually raise money at the same time. If I've missed how this game works, let me know, because maybe I'm missing the point in ignorance...
Linking with Kirsty on Monday for I must confess on exercise...(for those of you questioning my early posting with this, if you haven't worked it out already, I am in fact, a Timelord, and am not bound by the conventional calendar and clocks of mortals). Also linking up with Paula for the No Rules Link up party
I am not affiliated with any of these, but felt I should practice what I preach:
Donate to Australian Cancer Research Foundation
Donate to National Breast Cancer Foundation
Donate to the Cancer Council of Australia
I know heaps of people like this game and feel they are doing some good with it. I won't be all Negative Nelly, but can I make a suggestion? When you alter your status to raise awareness, can you at least include a link for people to donate (if you aren't donating yourself) or a link to a blog of someone going through cancer (something that will actually spread a substantial awareness, and maybe help in someone in some more tangible way).
I learnt more from Nick Greiner's candid admission about why he got a mastectomy, than any of the recent facebook status games. I was unaware that men got mastectomies (though I knew they got breast cancer) and I was unaware it started sometimes with bleeding nipples, not the lump that we are taught to look out for. And to any men who read this blog, don't ignore such signs!
You can call me a party pooper, and I know it's just a bit of fun, but I just think there can't be any harm in trying to actually raise money at the same time. If I've missed how this game works, let me know, because maybe I'm missing the point in ignorance...
Linking with Kirsty on Monday for I must confess on exercise...(for those of you questioning my early posting with this, if you haven't worked it out already, I am in fact, a Timelord, and am not bound by the conventional calendar and clocks of mortals). Also linking up with Paula for the No Rules Link up party
I am not affiliated with any of these, but felt I should practice what I preach:
Donate to Australian Cancer Research Foundation
Donate to National Breast Cancer Foundation
Donate to the Cancer Council of Australia
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
Even more Riddle me this?
1. How does a gullet work? I don't get how the food gets in if it's a closed throat, so to speak? (I am not being funny, I seriously don't get it - and am possibly that stupid).
2. How can I get a bruise this round on my arm and not know how I did it? I actually thought it was a burn at first because it was so red in the shower. Surely I should have hurt myself at the time?
3. Why don't more planets have rings?
4. Why was Wanatabe the only person allowed to say Godzilla in the movie? Is that a racist joke in there?
5. Why even bother with Binoche? That could have been anyone at all - including some extra for about $100...(Let me tell you, I was so disappointed! I love Ms Binoche)
6. Which idiot decided it's cute to have kids in action movies? It's not. It's stupid and ruins the film by boring us all to death and making the mature people like myself pretend to vomit, while rolling eyes so much that you can't actually watch the film anymore. (On racist things, has anyone noticed how American films always put the Asian kid in a baseball cap? Indiana, Godzilla, Walking Dead? What's that about?)
7. Where have all the good guys gone? (See what I did there?)
8. I have started learning German (in the car, so I'll be fluent in a few days). I learnt the words for 35 different types of wine in lesson 2. I still don't know how to pay for them. Will Germans pay for my drinks or will the next chapter be what to say if you're arrested for not paying in a bar?
9. How many beers is our Treasurer hoping to win in this lawsuit, and will he give the beers to charity? Or will he give them smokes instead? (Of course, was it really defamation as he was actually selling tickets to the sit down with him for 7334 beers a person?)
10. We were watching Veep last night, and in it, a young man said "I'll be 22 when I finish College, and I know I'll have to carry that student loan debt with me for the next 27 years". It was meant to be depressing. Can I ask why are we taking on that highly flawed system, when we had a much better one?
Give me the answers or pose some of your own questions...
Linking up with One Mother Hen for #OpenSlather
2. How can I get a bruise this round on my arm and not know how I did it? I actually thought it was a burn at first because it was so red in the shower. Surely I should have hurt myself at the time?3. Why don't more planets have rings?
4. Why was Wanatabe the only person allowed to say Godzilla in the movie? Is that a racist joke in there?
5. Why even bother with Binoche? That could have been anyone at all - including some extra for about $100...(Let me tell you, I was so disappointed! I love Ms Binoche)
6. Which idiot decided it's cute to have kids in action movies? It's not. It's stupid and ruins the film by boring us all to death and making the mature people like myself pretend to vomit, while rolling eyes so much that you can't actually watch the film anymore. (On racist things, has anyone noticed how American films always put the Asian kid in a baseball cap? Indiana, Godzilla, Walking Dead? What's that about?)
7. Where have all the good guys gone? (See what I did there?)
8. I have started learning German (in the car, so I'll be fluent in a few days). I learnt the words for 35 different types of wine in lesson 2. I still don't know how to pay for them. Will Germans pay for my drinks or will the next chapter be what to say if you're arrested for not paying in a bar?
9. How many beers is our Treasurer hoping to win in this lawsuit, and will he give the beers to charity? Or will he give them smokes instead? (Of course, was it really defamation as he was actually selling tickets to the sit down with him for 7334 beers a person?)
10. We were watching Veep last night, and in it, a young man said "I'll be 22 when I finish College, and I know I'll have to carry that student loan debt with me for the next 27 years". It was meant to be depressing. Can I ask why are we taking on that highly flawed system, when we had a much better one?
Give me the answers or pose some of your own questions...
Linking up with One Mother Hen for #OpenSlather
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